BC cattle foreman right Preschool carnival Sisters star for at home on range EDUCATION v 2B Immokalee softball COMMUNITY v 6A SPORTS v 1C

Volume XLIII • Number 4 April 30, 2019 Miss Florida Seminole Cheyenne Kippenberger wins Miss Indian World

BY DAMON SCOTT represent my people and all Indigenous of Native Americans in general. They are Staff Reporter People honorably.” expected to show poise, pride and positivity, Family members and friends were in and work to keep the diverse cultures of the audience as was Wanda Bowers, who Native Peoples alive and thriving. ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. — There oversees the Tribe’s princess program and To qualify in the first place, contestants were nerves and anticipation for days. And has been alongside Kippenberger every step must be of Native or Indigenous American in the end, the final result reverberated of the way. descent, be single with no kids, and have across Indian Country. “After all these years that I’ve been never been married. For the first time in history, Miss Indian bringing my Tribal princess to compete in The Miss Indian World pageant has a World is a member of the Seminole Tribe of the Miss Indian World, it was all worth the reputation for crowning winners who have a Florida – Miss Florida Seminole Cheyenne wait,” Bowers said. “She is an awesome deep understanding of their tribe’s traditions, Kippenberger. Miss Florida Seminole and now she will be history, ancestors and culture. Kippenberger earned the prestigious a phenomenal Miss Indian World who will Kippenberger did not disappoint in any title after months and months of preparation represent her people near and far with a big of those expectations. and four days of intense (and friendly) heart and tremendous pride.” Throughout the four-day competition, competition among 17 contestants. Kippenberger, from the Hollywood contestants accumulate points based on how The 23-year-old was crowned Miss Reservation, is now the 36th Miss Indian they do in the categories of public speaking, Indian World April 27 at the Gathering World. She is the daughter of Joe and Susan traditional talent, personal interview, written of Nations Powwow at Tingley Coliseum Kippenberger and a graduate of Keiser essay and dance. Kippenberger garnered the in Albuquerque, New Mexico. The University in Fort Lauderdale. most cumulative points of all the contestants. announcement came in front of a sellout The Miss Indian World pageant – held In addition to the title, contestants crowd of more than 10,000 people and 3,600 since 1984 – takes place each year at the qualify for individual awards based on their registered dancers from hundreds of Tribal Gathering of Nations, the world’s largest scores. Kippenberger not only won the Nations. Native American powwow. overall title, but also took the top award for Kippenberger had plenty of Seminole From its beginnings, young Native best personal interview and traditional talent supporters in Albuquerque, too, including American women between the ages of 18 – a demonstration of a traditional Seminole members of Tribal Council and a group of and 25 travel from around the U.S. and hairstyling. seniors from the Big Cypress Reservation, Canada to represent their tribes and compete The first runner-up was Cordelia Falls among others. for the coveted crown. Down of the Crow and United Keetowah “I’m feeling extremely overwhelmed The purpose of the journey to the title Band Tribes, Crow Agency, Montana. Other with happiness and love,” Kippenberger is to give the young women a chance to contestants hailed from across the country said. “I’m so proud to be Seminole and to showcase the culture and traditions of their and Canada. Gathering of Nations have my community behind me in support. tribes. The contestants serve as cultural Miss Florida Seminole Cheyenne Kippenberger has plenty of reasons to smile after being named Miss I promise to hold this title proudly and ambassadors of their respective tribes and F See MISS INDIAN WORLD on page 11A Indian World on April 27 at Gathering of Nations in New Mexico. Hard Rock Big Cypress celebrates Mabel T. Frank remains in Ohio gaming residential community groundbreaking

BY BEVERLY BIDNEY scene with Staff Reporter

Cincinnati BIG CYPRESS — Tribal Council and Board members joined members of the casino Big Cypress community April 11 for the long-awaited groundbreaking of the Mabel T. Frank residential project, the first large partnership development on the reservation. The 71-acre community will be BY DAMON SCOTT comprised of 33 rental homes on quarter- acre lots and 17 1.5 acre home sites. Each Staff Reporter of the two neighborhoods will have its own entrance off Josie Billie Highway across Hard Rock International has recently from the old bingo hall. added to its gaming presence – this time in The development is named for Mabel T. Ohio. Frank since it will be built on the site of her HRI has purchased JACK Cincinnati former cattle pasture. Her great-grandson Casino with New York City-based VICI Sunny Frank remembers playing in those Properties Inc., a real estate investment trust pastures as a young child. (REIT). “I remember riding on horses and Media reports said the property was sold watching the cowboys,” Frank said. “It to HRI and VICI for $745 million – with brings back a lot of good memories.” VICI acquiring the land and real estate for Former cattle foreman Jonah Cypress $558 million, while HRI bought the operating remembers the pasture well. assets of the casino for $187 million. JACK “It was Mabel and her husband Sam Entertainment officials said in a statement that the purchase price was $780 million. HRI is expected to lease the casino from VICI for $43 million a year – eventually rebranding it as the Hard Rock Casino Cincinnati. JACK Entertainment officials said Hard Rock also agreed to purchase the operations and real estate of Turfway Park, located near Cincinnati in Florence, Kentucky. Beverly Bidney HRI previously operated the Hard Rock Tribal officials, Tribal members and other dignitaries turn the dirt April 11 at the groundbreaking for the largest residential development in Big Cypress. Rocksino Northfield Park near Cleveland, but it has since been rebranded as an MGM Frank’s,” he said. “I worked her cows. Even next 15 years or so.” “We want them to be able to come property, now making JACK Cincinnati Mondo [Tiger] was there to help us chase Infrastructure construction will start back home,” said Chairman Marcellus W. Casino the sole HRI presence in Ohio. those cows.” first on the rental home sites. Once the pads Osceola Jr. “This site has room for plenty of “Hard Rock has been the No. 1 operator Like other reservations, BC has a are ready, homes will be built. development over the next 30 years.” in Ohio since opening in the greater Cleveland housing shortage. This will help to alleviate “It will take about a year to get A video of what the Mabel T. Frank market in 2013,” Jim Allen, chairman and it by allowing 50 families to relocate. the infrastructure finished,” said Tribal community will look like was shown on CEO of HRI said in a statement. “And now, “It only took 20 years, but we’re here,” Community Development Director of large screens during the ceremony. we look forward to introducing our unique said Big Cypress Councilman Mondo Tiger. Operations Derrick Smith. “I’d like to “We had a plan for the community and brand of casino entertainment to Cincinnati.” “We have a dire need for housing on this complete the first homes by the time the it’s happening now,” said President Mitchell Allen said JACK Cincinnati Casino, reservation.” infrastructure is completed. We try to work Cypress. “It’s good to be able to take care of which first opened in 2013, employs about BC Board Rep. Joe Frank concurred. efficiently.” some people on the list.” 1,000. There are about 40,000 Hard Rock “The Tribe is suffering from growing BC set aside about 900 acres for Tribal Community Development employees worldwide. pains,” Rep. Frank said. “It’s definitely development that could include residential, Executive Director Derek Koger oversees The facility is located on 22 acres in Beverly Bidney needed and I commend Council for commercial, health and education. The this and other projects tribalwide. The Mabel T. Frank neighborhood will be easy to prioritizing this. A lot of young people are Tribe has a list of approximately 400 Tribal find on the Josie Billie Highway. coming up and will need housing over the members waiting for homes on reservations. F See HARD ROCK on page 4A F See DEVELOPMENT on page 4A

Editorial...... 2A Health...... 9A Sports...... 1C. @TheSeminoleTribune @SeminoleTribune INSIDE: Community...... 3A Education...... 1B 2A • The Seminole Tribune • April 30, 2019 Editorial Native students can show Can museums heal history’s wounds? their cultural pride at •Chip Colwell skulls of two Beothuk Indians. England’s and certain kinds of cultural items from Natural History Museum recently sent home American museums and federal agencies. 37 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander This law, although imperfect, has facilitated graduation ancestral remains to Australia. And that’s the return of some 1.7 million grave goods, n the early 1920s, the director of just in the first few months of 2019. 57,000 skeletons and 15,000 sacred and • Bill John Baker traditions, and federal law and policy the Bristol Museum in Britain As a museum curator and scholar of communally owned objects. has recognized the religious significance Ireceived a package containing two the repatriation movement, I am stunned As that law approached passage, we of eagle feathers to Native peoples. human skulls. The donation came from by the pace of these unfolding events, heard many of the same arguments we hear Feathers are gifted to mark significant Alfred Hutchins. He had left England which seemed unlikely not long ago. I now now, especially that repatriation will put igh school graduation personal achievement, for leadership or seeking brighter horizons and by the late understand that the repatriation battles are museums out of business. Instead, in the ceremonies across Oklahoma academic accomplishment, as a sign of 1800s was living in Southern California. not isolated to a few museums wrestling years since, museums in the United States Hwill soon take place. maturity and to signify an important There he became an amateur archaeologist, with their colonial legacies. These clashes have thrived. Repatriation forced museum Graduation from high school is an achievement in an educational journey. excavating Native American graves on the are fueling a war over the rights of former administrators and tribal leaders to sit down especially significant occasion for It is done to honor the graduate and Channel Islands. He offered the museum colonial subjects and the future of museums. and talk, and the two sides realized how Cherokee students and families. his or her family, the community and this collection, apparently in honor of his Some art dealers and curators have much they have in common. As a result, We are thankful that Oklahoma the tribe. Culturally, receiving an eagle son, who perished during the First World recently warned that this rapidly shifting museums and tribes have worked to build Attorney General Mike Hunter weighed feather in recognition of high school War. landscape may, as the German broadcaster new relationships based on mutual respect. in last year and laid out the state’s graduation can be just as significant as Last week in a ceremony, Bristol Deutsche Welle, put it, “eventually Thirty years ago, few museums in the United protection of Native American students’ earning the diploma itself. Museum officials returned the remains empty museums and galleries in Western States produced exhibitions in collaboration right to display eagle feathers in their Cherokees graduating high school to representatives of the Ti’at Society, a countries.” But such dire predictions portray with Indigenous communities; today, few graduation ceremonies. In a letter, he can now enjoy the spiritual freedom maritime organization of the Tongva, whose repatriation as a zero sum game. Museums would design an exhibition without it. wrote: “It is my duty both to protect to show who they are at this critical forebears lived on the four southern Channel should not see repatriation only for what is Repatriation will not end museums. the rights of Oklahoma citizens as juncture in their life, a time appropriately Islands and across the Los Angeles basin lost. They should also see what is gained. Such gains are extended even further provided for by law and to advise that marked with pride. The eagle feather is for thousands of years. In recent years, the In the wake of European colonial when the return of ancestors and artifacts the Oklahoma Religious Freedom Act a powerful symbol that represents trust, Tongva and their allies, including the Fowler explorations from the 1500s onward, becomes a form of restorative justice. Like generally requires public schools to honor, strength, wisdom, power and Museum at U.C.L.A., have been working to museums were filled with curious, beautiful, the Truth and Reconciliation Commission permit Cherokee students to engage in freedom. It is an object that is deeply track down the fate of looted Tongva bodies mundane and wondrous objects. Many following the abolishment of South Africa’s the spiritual practice of wearing eagle revered and a sign of the highest honor. so that they may be reburied. This effort led of these things were purchased or traded, apartheid system, repatriation involves, feathers to important events, such as We value General Hunter’s the tribe across the Atlantic and to its first obtained with the permission of the individual as Desmond Tutu wrote, “the healing of graduations, even if this requires a partnership and support. A cooperative international repatriation. maker or community. Yet, many were also breaches, the redressing of imbalances, the religious exemption to an otherwise relationship between Cherokee Nation’s “As Native Americans, we are in procured with the threat of violence, without restoration of broken relationships.” generally applicable rule. Accordingly, attorney general’s office and the a constant state of mourning,” Desiree consent and in ways that violated cultural Repatriation can turn museums from I urge the board to adopt or revise Oklahoma office of the attorney general Martinez, a Tongva member and professional traditions. Many were simply stolen. When places of colonialism into mediating spaces its policies to permit these religious ensures we are creating a better future archaeologist, said in an article in The Bristol archaeological science took off in the late that confront and then move beyond their practices at graduation.” for all Oklahomans. It is our hope News, “knowing that our ancestors’ graves 1800s, unknown thousands of graves were own pasts. If my grandfather took something It hasn’t always been this way. of that we continue to collaborate on our have been disturbed and their remains and excavated. from your poor and powerless grandfather Indian Country, the quixotic and often common goal of improving the lives of burial goods removed to sit on museum When the Western art world fell in love — and your community continues to suffer inconsistent political drivers that operate all citizens, Cherokee and non-Cherokee shelves, all over the world.” with “primitive” art, collectors and dealers because of it — then I am presented with the at the expense of Native communities alike. The return of these two Tongva ancestors often resorted to extremes to obtain ancient chance to make things right. and impede economic development. Today, through General Hunter’s could easily pass almost unnoticed. However, treasures. Indigenous peoples often tried By my estimate, in the United States The precedent was established support, we also have established the the repatriation is emblematic of a much their best to preserve their sacred objects alone, it will take more than 200 years to last fall for a Cherokee family within state of Oklahoma’s support. No Native larger movement of historical reckoning and to protect the graves of their ancestors. consult with descendants on all of the Native the Vian School District in northeast student should ever be barred from sweeping across the globe. Museums are But most communities were unable to stop American human remains in museums. Oklahoma. We hope this sets the wearing eagle feathers or displaying reconsidering who is the rightful owner of the plunder. Addressing the centuries of colonialism will standard for all other school districts in their cultural pride at graduation. the objects that fill displays and storerooms. On the heels of the civil rights take centuries of work. The recent months Oklahoma to follow. For example, the Netherlands’ national movement, Native Americans began to more have illustrated that the repatriation wars Tribal nations in Oklahoma and Bill John Baker currently serves as the museums have established guidelines for publicly renounce museums for stealing are not ending anytime soon. We should across the country have long viewed 17th elected chief of the Cherokee Nation, returning objects obtained without consent. their heritage. As a result, in 1990 Congress welcome the fact that they are here. eagles and eagle feathers as sacred the largest Indian tribe in the United States. In Germany, 16 states agreed in a joint passed the Native American Graves elements to religious and cultural resolution to repatriate items taken during Protection and Repatriation Act, which Chip Colwell (@drchipcolwell) is the country’s colonial era. Scotland said provides a process for lineal descendants an anthropoligst and museum curator in Focusing on missing and it will soon deliver to Canada the stolen and tribes to reclaim ancestral remains Denver. murdered Indigenous women Indian Country can help solve young Native American Women. With •From press release its popularity and attention, the program hopes to bring a call to action regarding the epidemic issue plaguing Native women. rural America’s decline ongresswoman Deb Haaland Our efforts of bringing focus to this issue (NM-01), Miss Indian World, will be carried on after the event back to and Gathering of Nations the communities most affected by this again; so do their ideas. Urban centers like temper the general depopulation trend. announcedC (April 19) a focus on missing •Patrice H. Kunesh issue, with hope that change and greater Minneapolis–Saint Paul serve as cross- Second, reservations have important and murdered indigenous women awareness community involvement will ensue,” tribal hubs of innovation, creativity and economic strengths to offer rural America, at the nation’s largest pow wow. The Miss Melonie Mathews, Program Coordinator of ueled in large part by tribal connection for all of Indian Country and including the ability to attract tourist Indian World Competition at Gathering of Miss Indian World Pageant. government gaming, incomes the Native population. dollars (from casinos but also amenities Nations brings attention to missing and “As the senior development director of American Indians on To be sure, Native Americans and and culture), agriculture and natural murdered indigenous women as a call to F and government liaison, I am amazed and reservations are increasing. Indeed, they Alaska Natives on reservations and villages resources (minerals, forests, water), and action. honored that this specific issue is being realized a 48% increase in real per capita continue to face some of the most severe unique access to federal funding sources “As one of the world’s most recognized led by our very own Native American income from 1990 to 2018 (from $9,650 socio-economic statistics of any race or (e.g., Indian Health Service facilities, celebrations of Indigenous culture, this Congresswoman. The collaboration with to $14,355) compared to a 9% increase for ethnicity. About 25% of Native Americans which could become rural health anchor event plays an important role of making Gathering of Nations is going to make an all Americans. During this time, casino on reservations lived in households with institutions, United States Department our history and our traditions visible for the international impact and provide major revenue showed a marked increase from incomes below the federal poverty level, of Housing and Urban Development world to see,” said Congresswoman Deb support for Congresswoman Haaland’s barely a billion in 1990 to $32.5 billion compared with 16.4% of Americans living housing loans, and a slew of United States Haaland. “As we raise awareness about work. I’m proud to stand with our in 2018. Most of the revenue is spent in non-metropolitan areas overall. Department of Agriculture rural utility missing and murdered Congresswoman,” David away from the casino, demonstrating the Aside from the severe underfunding and community facilities programs). indigenous women across Bearshield, Gathering of significant spillover effect of reservation of federal trust obligations and the gap- Many tribes from east to west the country, there will be Nations Senior Development economies in supporting the local filling casino revenue, most tribes lack an are making a difference in their a focus on this silent crisis Director and Government workforce and generating tax revenue. adequate independent revenue source to rural communities. For example, the at this year’s Pow Wow. Liaison. Importantly, for households support their communities. The curtailed Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes I’m incredibly grateful Haaland is a leader previously in poverty, per capita payments uptake on economic development is due of the Flathead Reservation in northwest for Miss Indian World working to address the crisis from casino revenues have had significant in large part to the land, which is tied up Montana, governing over one million for making this a priority of missing and murdered positive impacts. For example, there’s in bureaucratic oversight and its potential acres, have established a community bank, and to the Gathering indigenous women and hit some evidence that these payments have not readily accessible. Casinos, by the way, created several successful tech-related of Nations for their the ground running raising increased high school graduation rates by were an innovative solution to impediments businesses, and have assumed ownership leadership.” awareness and championing almost 40%, years of education by age 21 to using trust land productively; tribes of Séliš Ksanka Ql’ispé Dam (formerly “The Gathering of tangible solutions on day by over a year, decreased arrest rates, and seized upon a terrific economic opportunity known as Kerr Dam), the regional Nations brings together one. After being elected in children are more likely to vote as adults. to exercise self-governance and generate hydroelectric power plant. The White tribes and Indigenous November, she attended U.S. In addition, people living in counties with revenue. Mountain Apache Tribe of the Fort Apache Nations from across North Senate Hearings on the 2018 tribal government casinos have decreased While economies are growing in Reservation in Arizona, with a land area America and around the Savanna’s Act, she raised the rates of smoking, heavy drinking and Indian Country, there is an obvious need of 2,627 square miles and a population world to celebrate the issue in the media and called obesity. for more substantial growth to catch up of 12,429 people, operates a world-class rich cultural heritage of for solutions at the New Indian Country as a whole is growing. to even the rural average and to diversify wildlife program and professionally Native Americans; from Mexico legislature. Under her According to the U.S. Census, there are firms and industries. The trick will be once manages a vast forest system. the traditional singing leadership as Vice Chair of the more than five million American Indians again thwarting the long arm of history From Traverse City, Michigan to and dancing, contemporary music on Stage U.S. House Natural Resources Committee, and Alaska Natives, making up almost of Indian Country, the quixotic and often Kinder, Louisiana, Kyle, South Dakota 49, Teepee Village, Trader’s Market to the the Subcommittee for Indigenous People of 2% of the population (2.9 million identify inconsistent political drivers that operate and Neah Bay, Washington, tribes best in Native American and World Cuisine; the United States held the first hearing on as solely American Indian or Alaska at the expense of Native communities and are a significant part of the economic the Gathering of Nations offers everyone an the issue in the history of the U.S. House of Native, and another 2.3 million identified impede economic development. geography of rural America, and they opportunity to experience a very special Representatives. as multiracial). The Native population Here is where Indian Country potential have opportunities to become even more and entrancing cultural event, “ Derek The Miss Indian World Competition rose by 1.1 million, or 26.7%, between becomes part of the rural coalition – Indian important force going forward. Mathews, Director of Gathering of Nations. gives young Native American women the 2000 and 2010 census. That’s much Country can be a positive part of the “This year the Miss Indian World an opportunity to showcase their tribes faster than the general population growth solution (or at least mitigation) for rural Patrice H. Kunesh is the director of the Pageant is dedicating this year to recognizing and cultures; while serving as a cultural of 9.7%. While an important part of this America. Why? First, reservations are Center for Indian Country Development at Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women. Ambassador of Native Americans by population trends toward urban centers, inherent homelands for American Indians, the Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis The Miss Indian World Pageant is the largest demonstrating the pride and continuance of Native people move freely and frequently creating intergenerational ties to the land and is of Standing Rock Lakota descent. and most prestigious cultural pageant for the diverse cultures of Native people. from homelands to urban areas and back and thus a rooted population that can help

The Seminole Tribune The following deadlines apply to all Advertising: Senior Editor: Kevin Johnson, ext. 10715 Advertising: Donna Mason, ext. 10733 is a member of the submissions to The Seminole Tribune: Advertising rates along with sizes and other [email protected] [email protected] Native American Journalists Association. information may be downloaded online at: Issue: May 31, 2019 http://SeminoleTribune.org/Advertise Staff Reporter: Beverly Bidney, ext. 16466 Letters/emails to the editor must be signed Deadline: May 15, 2019 [email protected] © 2019 Seminole Tribe of Florida and may be edited for publication. Postmaster: Issue: June 28, 2019 Please send address changes to: Staff Reporter: Damon Scott, ext. 10704 Subscription rate is $35 per year by mail. Deadline: June 12, 2019 The Seminole Tribune [email protected] Make checks payable to: 3560 N. State Road 7 The Seminole Tribune Issue: July 31 30, 2019 Hollywood, FL 33021 Staff Reporter: Derrick Tiger, ext. 10729 3560 N. State Road 7 Deadline: July 17, 2019 [email protected] Hollywood, FL 33021 Publisher: The Seminole Tribe of Florida Phone: 954-985-5700 Please note: Submissions that come past Phone: 954-985-5700 Intern: Symphony Osceola Fax: 954-965-2937 deadline will be published in the [email protected] following issue. 3A • The Seminole Tribune • April 30, 2019 Community A Adoption ceremony marks a first at Tribal Court

BY DAMON SCOTT The final order of adoption was then Staff Reporter granted. “This is a rare moment and occasion that we’ve been working for for almost 10 years,” HOLLYWOOD — “I deem this Chief Justice Johns said. “That we would adoption official.” come collaboratively with the state and the With those words, Chief Justice Willie Tribe to do the adoptions and to work with Johns closed out a historic ceremony April 18 families and children through the [Florida at Seminole Tribal Court on the Hollywood Department of Children and Families]. This Reservation. is our very first. It’s a moment that we’re The ceremony was historic because it going to all treasure.” was the first time a Tribal family adoption Chief Justice Johns congratulated the was finalized on a Seminole Reservation Jumpers on their latest addition to the family. – this one taking place in the Tribal Chief Judge Osceola then began by headquarters auditorium. thanking Izquierdo and staff members of The adoption was made possible through the state, including the Broward Sheriff’s a collaborative effort involving Tribal Court Office, who were on the Reservation to help officials, Circuit Court Judge Jose Izquierdo with the day’s court docket. of the Seventeenth Judicial Circuit of Florida “We thank the judge and the state courts and other state agencies. for coming to our location to adjudicate It was also a day of celebration for these cases,” Chief Judge Osceola said. “I parents Andrea and Joshua Jumper, their think it makes it a whole lot easier for our family and friends. The couple has now families to come, and I think it removes a lot officially adopted 2-year-old Loraine Marie of the stress from the families from having to Stewart Jumper. go to downtown Broward County.” Moses “Bigg Shot” Jumper Jr., who is Chief Judge Osceola also underscored an Associate Justice on the Tribal Court, is the historic nature of the adoption being also the new grandfather. He is the father of done on Tribal land. Joshua Jumper. “We’re very thankful that this child can Chief Justice Johns and Chief Judge remain with an Indian family. That’s the most Moses B. Osceola were in attendance, and important thing that has been accomplished along with Associate Justice Jumper, they today,” he said. “We want to congratulate wore their judicial robes for the occasion. Josh and the family and wish you the best of “I’ve had the pleasure and privilege luck. Those of you that pray – pray for the of being able to work with [the judges of family that they’ll have a great life together.” Seminole Tribal Court] in this collaborative Jumper Jr. spoke in his role as Associate effort,” Izquierdo said at the ceremony. Justice and grandfather. He worked with the Florida Attorney “I think it’s a good thing that the General’s office and state child advocates as Seminoles are able to keep the kids that they part of the adoption collaboration. Damon Scott have for adoption. That’s a great thing for Izquierdo, who works out of the Participating in the Seminole Tribe’s first family adoption finalized on a Seminole reservation are, from left, Chief Justice Willie Johns, Associate Justice the Tribe to do,” he said. Broward County Judicial Complex in Fort Moses “Bigg Shot” Jumper Jr., Loraine Marie Stewart Jumper, Joshua Jumper, Andrea Jumper, Circuit Court Judge Jose Izquierdo and Chief Judge Moses Associate Justice Jumper Jr. calls his Lauderdale, has previously worked with B. Osceola. The ceremony was held April 18 in the auditorium at Tribal headquarters in Hollywood. granddaughter “Lo Lo.” the Tribe on other adoption cases. He was “We always have a good time with her appointed by then Gov. Rick Scott in 2016 Izquierdo. • Do you wish to adopt Loraine? would like the child’s name to be. and it’s good that she’s part of the family and was automatically reelected by voters in An attorney asked Joshua Jumper the • When you adopt her, do you wish “Loraine Marie Stewart Jumper,” he now – officially,” he said. “We’re looking 2018 when no one qualified to run against following questions, all to which he replied, for her name to be changed? said. forward to her growing up. I’m thankful and him. “Yes.” • Are you wishing to adopt her The last question to Jumper was: “Has my prayers are with the family.” Izquierdo, of Miramar, received his • Are you aware that if the judge because you love her as if she were your anyone threatened you or promised you Izquierdo held 10 other dependency bachelor’s degree from Florida International were to grant this petition of adoption that own? anything to get you to adopt Loraine?” hearings involving Tribal members in a room University and his law degree from the Loraine would be as if she was from your • And do you have the ability to care Answer: “No.” adjacent to the auditorium stage throughout University of Florida. biology? for her needs, love her, support her and care Andrea Jumper was then asked: “You do the day. A special swearing in of the parents • And you would have the same legal for her? understand that if the judge grants this order took place in front of the Tribal Court and requirements as if she were? The attorney then asked Jumper what he there is no going back?” Answer: “Yes.”

GENERAL ELECTION NOTICE

Get Hooked! SEMINOLE TRIBE OF FLORIDA & {COME TO STAY ✦ COME TO PLAY} SEMINOLE TRIBE OF FLORIDA, INC. MAY 13, 2019

In accordance with the Amended Constitution and Bylaws of the Seminole Tribe of Florida and the Amended Corporate Charter of the Seminole Tribe of Florida, Inc. a General Election is scheduled on Monday, May 13, 2019 for the following offices:

SEMINOLE TRIBE OF FLORIDA SEMINOLE TRIBE OF FLORIDA, INC. TRIBAL COUNCIL BOARD OF DIRECTORS

CHAIRMAN At-LARGE PRESIDENT At-LARGE James E. Billie Mitchell Cypress Marcellus W. Osceola, Jr. James Holt II

BIG CYPRESS RESERVATION BIG CYPRESS RESERVATION David Cypress Nadine Bowers Manuel Tiger Paul Bowers, Sr. Alfonso Tigertail Joe Frank

BRIGHTON RESERVATION BRIGHTON RESERVATION Andrew J. Bowers, Jr. Marvin P. Bowers Larry L. Howard Helene Buster Johnnie Jones, Sr. Theresa Nunez Reno Osceola

HOLLYWOOD RESERVATION HOLLYWOOD RESERVATION Sunny Frank Christine E. McCall Virginia C. Garcia-Sanders Larry J. Tiger Christopher S. Osceola Gordon Oliver Wareham

Enrolled Tribal Members of the Seminole Tribe of Florida who have reached their 18th birthday on or before April 13, 2019 and who have registered to vote by March 1, 2019 are eligible to vote for the positions above.

The Chairman at-Large and President at-Large are voted in by all Registered Voters. Representatives are voted in by the Registered Voters of their respective Reservations. FREE WIFI AVAILABLE Absentee registered voters are urged to contact the Tribal Secretary’s Office for an absentee ballot request form at 954-966-6300 ext. 11461.

Voting Locations are: Big Cypress Reservation ...... Senior Center Brighton Reservation ...... Veterans Building Book your stay today! Hollywood Reservation ...... ……Headquarters Auditorium Lobby 863-467-0474 BRIGHTONRVRESORT.COM POLLS ARE OPEN 8 AM – 7:30 PM ON ELECTION DAY RV Camping • Cabins • Dining • Spa • Bike Riding • Fishing ALL REGISTERED TRIBAL MEMBERS ARE URGED TO VOTE

4A • The Seminole Tribune • April 30, 2019 Seminoles speak out at FIU ‘State of Affairs’ event BY DAMON SCOTT Staff Reporter

MIAMI — The organizers of Florida International University’s Global Indigenous Group continue to collaborate with Seminole Tribal members as part of its initiatives. The latest example took place April 13, when the school hosted an “Indigenous State of Affairs” panel. It took place in the Graham Center ballrooms on FIU’s Modesto Maidique Campus in Miami. The event was supported by the Seminole Tribe’s Center for Student Success and Services. CSSS assistant director Alvaro Perez and members of his staff were at the event with an informational outreach table. The panel featured four Seminoles – Miss Florida Seminole Cheyenne Kippenberger, Rollie Gilliam III, Eden Jumper and Samuel Tommie. The four were joined by Bina Sengar, Fulbright Scholar-in-residence at FIU and Masako Kubota, an instructor in the school’s Asian studies program and department of modern languages. Topics ranged from sovereignty, to the importance of preserving Native languages. Audience members also asked questions about reparations and the controversial blood quantum measurement. “The Global Indigenous Forum and [its student] club are initiatives to bring the Indigenous voice here to FIU and to South Florida and to the world,” Dennis Wiedman said to the audience of a few dozen people. “Where is the Indigenous voice? What are Damon Scott the Indigenous issues?” Florida International University's Global Indigenous Group hosts a panel discussion April 13 at FIU in Miami. The panel consisted of, from left, Samuel Tommie, Bina Sengar, Masako Kubota, Miss Florida Wiedman is the founder and director Seminole Cheyenne Kippenberger, Eden Jumper and Rollie Gilliam III. of the GIF, which has been in existence for about six years. He is also an anthropologist and associate professor in the department of studied the interaction between tribes and People. We are under attack from corporations her father is Seminole. She said she grew up go to Idaho, when we go to all these places, global and sociocultural studies at FIU. corporations. Tommie argues that much trying to privatize the resources. Indigenous in a household where Spanish, English and recognize that we’re on occupied territory. of the interaction isn’t grounded in the People live on or near the resources that Mikasuki was spoken. Ask questions about the people that are from Meet the Seminole panelists traditional core values that best serve Tribal these corporations want and so it’s a direct there. Be curious. There’s no amount of members. threat to sovereignty. Governments and On reparations money, there’s nothing physical that you can In her role as Miss Florida Seminole, corporations seek to disenfranchise and give us except your time, your curiosity, and Kippenberger serves as an ambassador Sovereignty issues upheave those communities.” Reparations for African Americans just to learn about the people and the history to the public for the Tribe. She is from sometimes make news depending on the – and not from a textbook that you get from the Hollywood Reservation and is of the Gilliam, whose career focus is Native languages prevailing political winds. The idea of a predominately Caucasian institute,” she Panther Clan. Kippenberger graduated from Indigenous college success, started by Native American reparations is one that has said. Keiser University in Fort Lauderdale with a equating his educational experience and The Seminole Tribe’s Pemayetv emerged recently in the run up to the 2020 Added Jumper: “Reparations are a step degree in accounting. She’s in the process support from the Tribe as intrinsically tied Emahakv Charter School on the Brighton presidential election. in the right direction, but also money can of organizing a women’s empowerment to sovereignty. Reservation is well-known for its innovative An audience member asked the panel never take away the trauma, the strife and symposium to be hosted by the Tribe. Kippenberger agreed with Gilliam’s language immersion program – a feature what kind of reparations they thought would the violence [that occurred]. Give us true Gilliam works in the advanced career sentiments and said she credited much of her many tribal schools do not have. be appropriate. sovereignty.” development program at CSSS. He earned success in education to the CSSS department. “And through the [Tribal] culture “What would be appropriate? You his master’s degree 2017 in criminology “I wouldn’t have made it through a lot department they are doing an excellent job at can’t put a dollar sign on it,” Kippenberger For more and criminal justice from Florida Atlantic of the things I had to go through to get my building community and preserving culture said. “There are people that were living University. college degree and graduate high school and language,” said Gilliam. here before the Europeans came here or the FIU’s Global Indigenous Group will Jumper, also from the Hollywood and do so successfully without sovereignty, Added Kippenberger: “There’s a big Spanish, there were people, there were lives, host several events in October, including Reservation and in the Panther Clan, is an without recognition of how successful our misconception that every tribe is the same – there was culture, there was language and Indigenous People’s Day (Oct. 8) and “Not activist on Native issues. He has a passion Tribe has been to create all these departments speaks in the same way, has the same clothing you can’t put a dollar sign on top of that.” a Statistic: Indigenous Women, Global for land rights, water rights, sovereignty to help,” she said. – and so it’s important to preserve language Kippenberger said, however, that Challenges” (Oct. 11). issues and the environment. Said Jumper: “We talk about sovereignty to show that those differences exist.” recognition would be a good start. To connect with the group and learn Tommie is from the Big Cypress in terms of water, land, and of Indigenous Kippenberger’s mother is Chilean and “When we go to Washington, when we about other events, go to indigenous.fiu.edu. Reservation. He is also an activist who has

F DEVELOPMENT “I commend Derek Koger; we are going to From page 1A keep him busy for a while.”

“We need homes across the board,” said Hollywood Councilman Chris Osceola.

Beverly Bidney A rendering of the Mabel T. Frank community’s rental homes is shown during the groundbreaking ceremony in Big Cypress on April 11.

Beverly Bidney The stage is set for the groundbreaking ceremony for the Mabel T. Frank project just on the other side of the Josie Billie Highway in Big Cypress.

continue to operate its JACK Cleveland F HARD ROCK Casino and JACK Thistledown Racino, near From page 1A Cleveland. Meanwhile, VICI’s portfolio includes the Broadway Commons area in the city’s gaming, hospitality and entertainment downtown district. It features 100,000 destinations, including Caesars Palace in Las square feet of gaming space with about 1,800 Vegas. gaming machines and 100 table games. “We are proud to partner with Hard Additionally, the property has 33,000 square Rock, further diversifying our tenant roster feet of meeting space, six restaurants and with an international leader in gaming, two bars. entertainment and hospitality experiences HRI officials said new property and a renowned global platform of 245 improvements will be announced later this hospitality venues across 75 countries,” John year. Payne, president and chief operating officer “We are confident that Hard Rock and of VICI said in a statement. its world-renowned brand will be a great While the transaction is subject to addition to the Queen City and the right regulatory approvals and closing conditions, choice to take JACK Cincinnati Casino and HRI officials expect it to be finalized later Turfway Park to the next level of growth,” this year. Matt Cullen, CEO of JACK Entertainment HRI operates 185 cafes, 27 hotels and 11 said in a statement. “We chose to sell to Hard casinos. The company’s two most successful Rock, in large part due to its great culture hotel and casino properties are in Hollywood and quality of its leadership. They are an (Florida) and Tampa. The Seminole Tribe of outstanding operator that JACK Cincinnati Florida is the parent entity of HRI. Casino and Turfway Park team members More information is available at Beverly Bidney will enjoy working with as they continue to hardrock.com. Tribal officials attend the festivities in the tent at the Mabel T. Frank groundbreaking. From left are Council Executive Assistant Thomasine Motlow, deliver excellent service to our guests.” Hollywood Councilman Chris Osceola, President Mitchell Cypress, Chairman Marcellus W. Osceola Jr. and Tribal Community Development Executive JACK Entertainment said it will Director Derek Koger. 5A • The Seminole Tribune • April 30, 2019 Naples community celebrates Earth Day

BY BEVERLY BIDNEY cleaned a few fish, as did Walker’s daughter Staff Reporter Shylah, 10. As the traditional Seminole fare roasted on the fire, a chef was busy cooking an NAPLES — The Seminole Tribe's elaborate lunch of rice, vegetables, chicken Naples community joined about 1 billion and beef on a hibachi table nearby. other people in 192 countries worldwide “We always try to do something April 22 to celebrate Earth Day. different in Naples,” said Naples Liaison To mark the day, the community planted Brian Zepeda. “It’s our first Earth Day and three cypress trees next to the Juanita we wanted an event where the community Osceola Center and celebrated Seminole could come out and enjoy the day together.” heritage with a gar fish demonstration, After lunch, guest speaker Krystle pumpkin fry bread and storytelling. Even Young spoke about her work to restore the before the trees were planted, birds perched Everglades and the environment. Young on its branches indicating the trees will be a recently earned her Master of Science in welcome addition to the ecosystem. Biology from the University of Miami and “We take a lot of trees out of the woods is pursuing a PhD in Biology at Florida for chickees; it’s important to plant trees, International University in Miami. too,” said Billy Walker as the trees were She has been monitoring water in Miami being set in the ground. “The birds represent Dade and Monroe County canals, looking everything to us; they see what God sees and for levels of phosphorus, nitrogen and other know who did what during each season. The pollutants that feed algae. Young has also breath maker gave us this Earth; we have a studied the diversity of the water in Miami connection to Mother Earth and nature so it’s Dade’s Biscayne Bay. good for us to plant more trees.” The difference between the water of The theme of the day centered on Card Sound in the upper Keys by Key Largo Beverly Bidney preserving the Earth and a few avid gardeners and Black Point in Biscayne National Park The Naples community celebrates Earth Day and watches as Liaison Brian Zepeda helps plant three cypress trees on the property at the Juanita Osceola shared tips about the vegetables and plants across the bay from Elliott Key is profound. Center on April 22. in their gardens. Sweet potatoes will take The largely untouched Card Sound has over the garden if the plant isn’t contained significantly more biodiversity because of in a barrel. After Romaine lettuce is trimmed the minimal human contact. Black Point’s for salad greens, if the roots are left in the marina and park are popular with boaters ground another head of lettuce will grow. and others. “Earth Day is about saving the Earth for “It’s important to have high diversity, it’s our children,” said Chairman Marcellus W. an indicator of the health of an ecosystem,” Osceola Jr. “We see all the pictures of sea life Young said. “Everything is connected; water, and animals in the wilderness eating plastic; animals and plants. You can’t interact with we need to take care of the environment so one without affecting something else.” it will take care of us. Planting trees is a Young urged people to consider symbol of that.” biodiversity in their own gardens and yards. President Mitchell Cypress pondered She said grass is bad for diversity, trees the state of the planet, including rising seas and bushes support more species. She also and melting glaciers, and the urgency to save outlined an important action everyone can it. take to improve the environment; reduce, “Our rain forests are being destroyed reuse and recycle. and they are the filter for us to breathe,” he “Reduce usage of one time use items, said. “This is a wakeup call and I hope it isn’t repurpose things and recycle,” Young said. too late. Native Americans say if you take “Composting at home will give you soil you care of the Earth, it will take care of you. If can grow things in. We all love our natural you destroy it, it will destroy you.” resources; do what you can to protect the Tribal members, children and the Earth.” community gathered around Walker as he Founded in 1970, Earth Day is credited demonstrated how to clean and roast gar fish. with launching the environmental movement, He caught about 14 fish over two nights. He which led Congress to pass the Clean Air said the fat ones are his personal favorites. Act, Clean Water Act, the Endangered “Gar fish was like fast food for Species Act and other environmental laws. Seminoles,” Walker said. “They will be “Science is important and we need to cooked in only 45 minutes. We used to use support it,” Young said. “We need to get citrus from the trees brought here from China Tribal members involved more. Earth Day is and put it on top of the fish as it cooked.” all about educating people on the importance Although Walker used popsicle sticks to of preserving our natural resources.” keep the fish open on the grill, in the old days Beverly Bidney sticks from trees were used. Jessica Osceola The Naples community poses for an Earth Day photo in front of two of the three newly planted cypress trees.

THE LAW OFFICES OF ALAN S. BERNSTEIN, PA. Arrested? We need to talk!

CRIMINAL CHARGES DEMAND A SERIOUS DEFENSE

Beverly Bidney (2) Above left, Billy Walker helps his daughter Shylah Walker learn to cut open and clean a gar fish at the Naples Earth Day celebration. West Palm Beach o„ice Above right, JoJo Frank Jr. tosses a beanbag as Raymond Mora waits his turn during a game of corn hole at the celebration. Call 954-925-3111, or on evenings by appointment only & weekends call 954-347-1000 Email [email protected] CALL FOR A FREE CONSULTATION Served as lead council in numerous Instructor at National College for DUI criminal jury trials Defense at Harvard Law School Has concentrated on criminal Completed intensive trial advocacy defense matters since 1981 with the National Association and Florida Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers Serving In: Practicing In: Broward County, DUI Domestic Violence Palm Beach County, Juvenile Oenses Drug Crimes Hendry County, Violations of Probation Theft Crimes & Glades County Traic Oenses Felonies

THE LAW OFFICES OF ALAN S. BERNSTEIN, PA. 2131 Hollywood Blvd., Suite 303 301 Clematis St., Suite 3000 Hollywood, Fl 33020 West Palm Beach, Fl 33401

LEGAL ADVERTISEMENT

Beverly Bidney Please feel free to visit our website at: Floridacriminaldefensepro.com Jonah Walker gives Leland Billie a close-up view of the toothy snout of a gar fish at the Earth Day celebration. Jonah's father, Billy Walker, caught about 14 fish and demonstrated how to prepare and roast them over an open flame. 6A • The Seminole Tribune • April 30, 2019

Beverly Bidney Big Cypress cattle foreman Andre Jumper chooses to round up cattle on his horse and with his dogs while his grandfather Moses Jumper Jr. prefers his ATV. On April 15, cattle foreman Jumper gave Moses’s calves booster shots. Big Cypress cattle foreman Andre Jumper: right at home on the range

BY BEVERLY BIDNEY 27 years until 2000 and has served as BC familiar with them.” Staff Reporter Natural Resources Manager since 2008. He Jumper also knows the landscape, is Jumper’s boss and helps him learn the including its predators. He says panthers and ropes of being foreman. buzzards do the most damage to the herds. BIG CYPRESS — Andre Jumper “He’ll do alright,” Cypress said. “There Panthers will take a calf, eat some, bury it is the embodiment of his family’s legacy. will be tough times, but he’ll get through it. and come back again to eat more. Although Like his grandfather Jonah Cypress before He’s got about 20 bosses now and I tell him known for eating dead animals, buzzards him, Jumper was named Big Cypress cattle it’s good to keep on their good side.” will also kill and eat newly born calves in foreman in January. Jumper’s goal is to keep the 23 BC cattle the pastures. They do about as much damage “I’m a cowboy so I like to do what a owners happy. To do that, he is a fixture in to herds as the panthers. Both are protected cowboy does,” said Jumper, 23. “I come the pastures as he tends to the animals and species and cannot be killed. Beverly Bidney from a long line of cowboys; I was born into makes sure the owners’ needs are met. For two weeks in April, Jumper and Andre Jumper separates calves from full-grown cows to prepare them for booster shots. it.” “Even though I don’t have my own, his crew gave booster shots to calves in the I know their herds,” he said. “I’m very BC herds. On April 15 he gave the shots to Jumper was raised around cattle in the his father’s 98 calves and his grandfather to the bull pasture. pastures of BC and always wanted to be a Moses’ 91 calves. But the day wasn’t finished yet; Martha cowboy. His grandfather, Moses Jumper Jr., Jumper’s crew of seven was comprised Jones’ herd had to be moved and readied for his father Josh and uncle Naha Jumper have of five Tribal members; Chris Green, Cat booster shots the following day. The site of herds in BC. His great grandfather Junior Tommie, Naha Jumper, Josh Jumper and eight people on horseback heading for the Cypress was also a BC cattleman. Pauletta Bowers. Longtime cowboys Randy large herd at the far side of the pasture was “I think it’s great,” said Moses Jumper. Rueda and Donnie Crawford completed the reminiscent of a western cowboy movie “His grandfather used to do this many years crew. Jonah Cypress monitored the process without the mountainous desert locale. ago and Andre’s been around it all his life. and kept a log of how many calves were Jumper was always destined to be a He knows it pretty good.” vaccinated. cowboy, whether on the ranch or in the rodeo The life of a cowboy isn’t always a walk The process is straight forward, but isn’t arena. He used to do team roping- he was in the park; sometimes it’s a long hard ride simple. The entire herd, calves, cows and a heeler- but he loved watching the pick-up in the saddle. bulls, are gathered from the pastures and men during the rodeos. They are the ones On days when the cows need herded into holding pens. Then the work on horseback who help cowboys get off the vaccinations, pregnancy checks, booster really begins; the calves must be sorted from broncs if they aren’t thrown off. shots, need to be moved for shipping or the cows and the bulls separated from them Jumper admires his brother Blevyns, pasture maintenance, Jumper starts work all. who is also a cowboy. at around 5 am. First he gets his dogs and Groups of animals are led down a chute, “Nothing gets under his skin,” he said. horses ready and fills the coolers with ice. where they are guided individually into the “He’s just a laid back cowboy who does Then he meets his crew of six or seven proper holding pen. A crew member, in this what you ask. I’m the same way, but I like to cowboys and gets to work. case Naha Jumper, moves the gate to direct laugh and have a good time.” On days when there is just the normal each animal into the proper pen. It’s fast and He said the job of cattle foreman is being workload, such as delivering feed and dirty work; the animals don’t know what is a cowboy, but with a lot more responsibility. molasses supplements, making sure pastures going on so they resist and complain loudly. “I have a lot more on my plate to deal are mowed and fertilized, Jumper gets to It’s the job of Jumper and his crew to with and I’m still learning,” Jumper said. sleep late. Those days, he doesn’t start until get the animals where they need to be safely. “My Grandpa Jonah guides me, tells me 7 a.m. Only then do they lead the calves from the what to do and what not to do. My dad’s in “Ever since I was little, I always wanted holding pen through the chute a second time the field a lot, too.” to be a cowboy,” Jumper said. “The best so they can be vaccinated. On this day, the Jumper said he never had to clock in or part of the job is that I get to work with my Beverly Bidney Big Cypress Cattle Foreman Andre Jumper works with his grandfather Jonah Cypress, BC natural deed was done successfully and the crew out before, but that doesn’t keep him from grandfather [Jonah Cypress].” loaded the bulls onto a trailer and took them being the cowboy he was born to be. Cypress served as cattle foreman for resources manager, as they give 91 calves booster shots. NIGC announces departure of Chairman Chaudhuri FROM PRESS RELEASE worked hard at every turn to stress strong out his initiatives in the NIGC’s 2018-2022 virtual training sessions at NIGC regional tribal self-determination and economic partnerships and consistent communication Strategic Plan. training courses and promotes site-specific development. As of 2019, the agency now WASHINGTON — The National with tribal gaming operations to achieve One of initiative – protecting against training by tribal request. trains more regulators than ever before. Indian Gaming Commission (NIGC) today compliance with the Indian Gaming gamesmanship on the backs of tribes – Also under Chaudhuri’s leadership, “I sincerely appreciate having had announced the resignation of Jonodev Regulatory Act. The Commission works with emphasizes uncovering non-tribal entities’ NIGC created a technology division the opportunity to work at NIGC. I would Osceola Chaudhuri as the Chairman of tribes to ensure they have the tools necessary manipulation of business, professional, which oversees the agency’s information like to thank my fellow Commissioners, National Indian Gaming Commission, to effectively regulate their operations and and employment relationships with Indian technology, records management, the hard working NIGC staff, and Indian effective Wednesday, May 15, 2019. Vice meet IGRA’s requirements,” Chaudhuri said gaming operations to further their own technology related training and assessments, country for the support, guidance, and Chair Isom-Clause will take over day-to-day in a statement. “As I reflect on the initiatives interests at the expense of the tribal gaming including its regulating technology course encouragement provided to me during my operation of the Agency. of NIGC during my time at NIGC, we have operation, the tribe, and tribal members. and IT vulnerability assessments. time at NIGC. Even though I will deeply “It has been the honor of my lifetime to been able to protect the integrity of Indian Another initiative focuses on developing Finally, an initiative to maintain a miss my colleagues and time serving as the serve Indian country and the general public gaming, expand outreach, and develop new effective outreach for tribes with small and strong workforce within NIGC and with Chairman, I am looking forward to starting in my capacity as Chairman, a role I have had services that support gaming operations and rural gaming operations. In 2015, NIGC hired its tribal regulatory partners has generated a new phase of my career,” Chaudhuri said. the pleasure of fulfilling since 2013. During its staff.” a rural outreach coordinator to help address a collaborative workforce that serves my time as Chairman, the Commission During his tenure, Chaudhuri’s laid this concern. NIGC has also implemented IGRA’s fundamental purposes of promoting

SEMINOLE TRIBE OF FLORIDA TRIBAL MEMBER VENDOR WORKSHOP The Seminole Tribe of Florida’s Purchasing Department is inviting Tribal Member Vendors to a workshop that will serve as a guide for doing business with Tribal Government. When: Wednesday, May 8, 2019 – 9:00 am to 12:00 pm Where: Big Cypress Public Safety Building - Fire Multipurpose Room YOU MUST HAVE BEEN REGISTERED BY MARCH 1, 2019 All Attendees Must Check in at the Front Desk TO PARTICIPATE IN THIS 2019 TRIBAL ELECTION Note: Meeting Location Subject to Change Based on Fire Rescue Department Needs 7A • The Seminole Tribune • April 30, 2019 Seminole Hard Rock Groundbreaking held for nine homes earns top ‘Employer of Choice’ in gaming at Brighton’s Knots Landing industry for fourth year in a row

FROM PRESS RELEASE

HOLLYWOOD — Results of the latest Casino Gaming Executive Satisfaction Survey have further cemented the top spot of Seminole Hard Rock as the clear “Employer of Choice” among the industry’s 34 casino companies or standalone casinos. According to the survey, which was conducted in 2018 from August through October and released this year, 24.83 percent of all respondents ranked Seminole Hard Rock as one of their top three employers of interest. The result was up five percent from the corresponding number in 2017. In the latest survey, 1,363 unique participants responded to online questions, up from slightly more than 1,000 respondents in 2017. The survey is produced jointly by Bristol Associates, Inc., and Spectrum Gaming Group. This year marks the 18th annual Casino Gaming Executive Satisfaction Survey. The four-year winning streak is evidence of a positive workplace reputation and quality work environment of both Seminole Gaming and Hard Rock International, which was acquired by the Seminole Tribe of Florida in 2007 and shares its Hollywood corporate offices with the headquarters for Seminole Gaming. During that time, Hard Rock International was also named to Forbes’ lists of “America’s Best Employers” and Beverly Bidney “America’s Best Employers for Women.” Tribal officials and dignitaries turn the dirt as they break ground for nine new homes on the Knots Landing project in Brighton on April 23. “It means a lot to be recognized by so many gaming industry executives as their Employer of Choice,” said Jim Allen, CEO BY BEVERLY BIDNEY of Seminole Gaming and Chairman of Hard Staff Reporter Rock International. “We are extremely pleased to receive this recognition for Seminole Hard Rock.” BRIGHTON — Surrounded by an According to Michael Pollock, abundance of love and love bugs, Tribal Managing Director of Spectrum Gaming officials broke ground April 23 for nine new Group, “To become a leader among such homes in the Knots Landing area of Brighton. leaders requires an added focus on retaining Tribal Council and the Board joined forces and motivating talent. By definition, to and worked together on the project. become such a leader, you have to listen to “This is the opportunity to bring more your people, and respond to their needs and Tribal members back to the community,” aspirations.” said Brighton Board Rep. Larry Howard. The annual survey is conducted “It’s been a long time coming. It’s always online and represents a sampling of been our goal to bring people back and as casino and gaming executives from across long as we bring them back one at a time, North America. According to Spectrum eventually we can get everyone.” Gaming Group and Bristol Associates, The three, four and five bedroom rental survey respondents are diverse in terms of homes should be completed by the end of geography, executive responsibilities, years this year. Seminole Design-Build, Tribal of experience and other meaningful criteria. member David Nunez’s business, is the The survey is designed to ensure that the contractor on the job. respondents have worked in the casino and “This is another momentous occasion gaming industry and that no one is surveyed for the Tribe and its members,” said more than once. Chairman Marcellus W. Osceola Jr. “We will be giving out keys in the next seven months to tribal members who will be here Logan joins Native for many generations to come.” Beverly Bidney Chairman Osceola said this has been A rendering of the nine homes was shown during American Agriculture a big year for residential groundbreakings, the Knots Landing groundbreaking April 23 in Fund leadership starting with Lakeland, then Big Cypress, Brighton. now Brighton and Hollywood will be next FROM PRESS RELEASE by the end of summer. “We have the capital, the knowledge developed 400 acres; after we get done with and the team to do it, so we are,” Chairman these 2,500 acres, we can write our own Institutional investment advisor and Osceola said. book.” corporate lawyer Vince Logan has joined “Council decided to set aside land on Smith showed a video of the various the Native American Agriculture Fund as the reservations to provide housing that is projects on the books for Brighton, including chief financial officer and chief investment needed,” said Brighton Councilman Andrew the Flowing Well Grove development of officer, NAAF announced in April. J. Bowers Jr. “It is a step in the right direction single family owned and rental homes. The Logan, a member of the Osage Nation, to meet those needs and get people to move Knots Landing site already has townhomes is responsible for NAAF’s $266 million back to the reservation.” and more are scheduled to be built in the portfolio and charged with overseeing the President Mitchell Cypress mentioned future. The Tucker Ridge recreation area finance department, implementing financial how the project came together. will include a chickee village, dock area, systems, and managing the investment “Board and Council came up with the bathrooms and walking trails. program. idea and we had the funds to do it,” he said. “This is our future and it will help “He is a mentor to many professionals “With teamwork, this administration gets preserve our culture and heritage,” said in Indian Country and beyond, and his work things done.” Nunez. “It’s a proud moment for me. We in financial and investment leadership will The Knots Landing project is just one of have a good team and I’m happy to be a part continue to have a lasting impact through many being developed on about 2,500 acres of it.” NAAF,” said Elsie Meeks (Oglala Lakota), of land around the reservations. Big Cypress Councilman Mondo Tiger NAAF Board chairperson. “There will be 500 acres altogether commended the Board and the Council for Nominated by President Obama and in Brighton,” said Tribal Community working together. confirmed by the U.S. Senate in 2014, Logan Development Senior Director of Operations “We’re building some great homes that served as the Special Trustee for American Derrick Smith. “We are laying a great will be a regular standard for the Tribe now,” Indians at the U.S. Department of the foundation for the next 20 to 30 years. Councilman Tiger said. “We had some great Interior. Beverly Bidne) Another Tribe wrote a book after they ancestors who allowed this to happen for us; we should all thank them sometime.” Chairman Marcellus W. Osceola Jr. and David Nunez shake hands at the groundbreaking. RichaRd CHEHANTAMO! castillo 954.522.3500

SELLING DRUGS? helping the seminole community For Many Years 24 houRs a daY Since 1990 I have protected rights like yours. My office defends DUIs, drug offenses, suspended licenses, domestic violence, and all felonies and misdemeanors throughout Florida and the BABY United States. MAMA DRAMA The hiring of an attorney is an important decision Guy! that should not be based solely upon advertise- ment. Castillo worked as a Public Defender in Broward County from 1990-1996 and has been in GOGETGUY.COM private practice since 1996. In 1995, he was voted RIchaRD caStIllo the Trial Attorney of the year. He graduated from FloRIDa cRIMInal DeFenSe attoURney Capital University in 1989 and was admitted to the Florida Bar in 1990, Federal Bar in 1992, and the Fed- GUY SELIGMAN ATTORNEY AT LAW |    www.caStIllolawoFFIceS.coM eral Trial Bar in 1994. 8A • The Seminole Tribune • April 30, 2019

Ah-Tah-Thi-Ki Museum Fourth day on the job as oral history coordinator at Ah-Tah-Thi-Ki Museum, Justin Giles holds an alligator subdued by Billy Walker. Community Outreach: Hello Seminole

BY JUSTIN GILES in the community. Florida has always been at the forefront of Community Outreach is a term that I this endeavor and oversees one of the oldest Oral History Coordinator, Ah-Tah-Thi-Ki Museum take to heart because I could not imagine and nationally accredited Tribal museums in Spring is in full bloom and the love being in a predominantly Native place Indian Country. bugs are beginning to connect with the without getting to know folks. I like to There is a lot of Seminole history and windshield of my Jeep. This also means that see where the good food is, who can cook culture that the museum is tasked to present the temperatures are rising and soon summer well, and simply visit with people. While to our visitors on a daily basis. In order to will be in full swing. Time flies on the Big there are certainly some differences here make sure the Seminole Voice is always Cypress Reservation and that is a good in southern Florida from Oklahoma, the present at the museum, community outreach indication that I’m enjoying my time here in similarities far outweigh any sense of being and participation is a must. In this aspect, the Seminole Country. The approaching summer away from home. Seminole Country is occupation of museum staff is more than just also means that the beginning of ceremonial Indian Country and fortunately that is a real a job as we serve the Seminole community. season is near. As the corn dance begins comforting feeling. Plus, there are beaches Lucky for me, my job keeps me from being here in Florida, this Muscogee (Creek) boy to visit and the Everglades to explore that homesick and I’m glad to have some new will make a trip back to Oklahoma for the have been inhabited by indigenous people Seminole aunties tease me. If you see me out beginning of our stomp dance season. I’ll for numerous millennia. This geography is and about, feel free to visit and toss me some have much to share and stories to tell of certainly an important part of the Seminole fry bread and sausage…! Please be sure to alligators, humidity, Tribal events, food, story told at the museum. It is important contact me anytime if you wish to participate and new Seminole aunties teasing me to remember that a good number of Tribal in the Oral History program and become a just like my Muscogee Aunties back in Governments across North America now part of the Seminole Voice we strive to Oklahoma. Being a part of a community is have active museums, cultural centers, or present at the Ah-Tah-Thi-Ki Museum. Ah-Tah-Thi-Ki Museum important and thankfully my position at the community centers. These institutions share Justin Giles visits Paul Bowers in his Big Cypress woodshop. Ah-Tah-Thi-Ki Museum as the oral history a common goal of telling Native history from Sho-Na-Besh-Sha/Mvto! coordinator allows me to spend a lot of time the perspective of the Native community, in their own voice. The Seminole Tribe of James Billie honored by the state for contributions to Florida folklife

BY ZACHARY BOEHM Culture, legends, stories and language are Special to the Tribune very important to us.” Billie was one of four celebrated folk artists and advocates to receive Florida TALLAHASSEE — Four Folk Heritage awards at the ceremony. distinguished Floridian folk artists and Tina Bucuvalas, curator of arts & historical community leaders were honored April resources for the City of Tarpon Springs, 13 with the 2019 Florida Folk Heritage joined Billie in receiving the Folklife Awards for their transformative, far- Advocate Award for her more than 30 reaching contributions to Florida’s folklife. years of steadfast work preserving the The awards were conferred by Florida’s contributions of traditional folk artists in Department of State and were presented South Florida and beyond. during a ceremony at Word of South, an Folk Artist awards were presented to annual festival of literature and music in Jane Wells Scott, a scholar and instructor Tallahassee. of traditional Irish fiddle who has played an Among the honorees was former indispensable role in the preservation and Seminole Tribe of Florida Chairman exchange of folk traditions in North Florida, James Billie, who was recognized with a and Michael Usina, a St. Augustine native Folklife Advocate award for his resolute of Minorcan heritage whose life’s work and effective championing of Tribal maintaining and promoting the hand-made sovereignty, his decades-long commitment net-crafting techniques passed down by his to preserving traditional Seminole language ancestors has positioned him as a leader in and culture and his own considerable artistic the Florida folk art community. achievements as a Grammy-nominated Florida Secretary of State Laurel M. songwriter. Lee, who presided over the ceremony and Billie, who was born of the Bird Clan presented the awards, said the honorees in Dania, Florida, was elected chairman of represented the legions of folk artists, the Seminole Tribe in 1979 after completing scholars and advocates throughout the two tours in the Army during the Vietnam state whose work is key to sustaining and War. His first tenure as chairman spanned communicating Florida’s vibrant cultural 22 years, ending in 2001. Ten years later, heritage. Billie was re-elected Chairman, serving for Stacy Prato “We’re fortunate to have so many a second stint from 2011 to 2016. His years Floridians who have brought tremendous of tribal leadership distinguish him as one of 2019 Florida Folk Heritage Award recipient James Billie holds his award with his son Eecho, Secretary of State Laurel M. Lee and Chair of the Florida Folklife Council Annette B. Fromm during a ceremony April 13 in Tallahassee. distinction to our state through their careers the longest-serving elected political officials and their tireless devotion to their crafts,” in the world. she said. “Their work has touched and During his tenure as chairman, Billie Billie is also credited with spearheading feeling, Billie said his award reaffirms the I’m proud of my tribe for maintaining their inspired countless people, and it’s fitting that advocated unrelentingly for the enrichment the development of a modern tribal importance of robust, community-based heritage. we honor them for their influence and their of Seminole folkways. He instituted several broadcasting department and with initiatives for the preservation of traditional “Even the younger generation, when brilliance.” strategic programs designed to chronicle and revamping The Seminole Tribune, two Seminole language and culture. you see them, you might think they know Established in 1985, the Florida Folk preserve the Tribe’s unique cultural history, efforts that continue to facilitate enduring, “It’s interesting, I’m not accustomed nothing, but they know quite a bit about their Heritage Awards are based on public including the Ah-Tah-Thi-Ki Museum on the professionalized storytelling about the daily to getting awards; I’m generally the one traditions. The Seminole Tribe maintains its nominations and recommendations from the Big Cypress Seminole Indian Reservation lives and cultural contributions of Seminole who’s handing them out,” he said. “But if it culture through programs like the Ah-Tah- Florida Folklife Council. The awards honor and the Seminole Camp at the Florida Tribe members. wasn’t for the language, the legends and the Thi-Ki museum in Big Cypress, or through the state’s foremost bearers of tradition Folk Festival — where trained scholars While he admitted that receiving formal customs, there wouldn’t be a Seminole Tribe. language immersion programs like you see for their advocacy of, and demonstrated of Seminole culture educate community recognition for his historic career of advocacy I always encourage the younger generation in the Brighton Reservation, where they’re excellence in, the traditional arts. members about tribal traditions each year. and leadership may be a somewhat unfamiliar to learn something about their history, and teaching their young children the language. ‘Ancestral Connections’ links past to present through work of contemporary artists

FROM PRESS RELEASE been shaped by their traditional homelands to expand the bounds of Inuit art; Rose B. and landscapes, while others draw on Simpson (Santa Clara Pueblo, b. 1983), NEW YORK CITY — “Ancestral traditional worldviews, lifeways and artistic whose mixed-media work is a way for her Connections” will open at the Smithsonian’s traditions. Grounded in tradition and a sense to ground herself and connect physically National Museum of the American Indian– of themselves as Native people, they have with the earth; Anita Fields (Osage, b. George Gustav Heye Center on May 4. explored new materials, techniques, forms, 1951), whose pieces are informed by the NAMI Organized by the museum’s head curator and art genres to challenge the boundaries of Osage worldview; Gedion Caseo Fernandez Caddo Head Pot, 2005 Ann McMullen, this exhibition explores how what Native art can be. Nolasco (Quechua, b. 1964), whose piece Jeri Redcorn (Caddo/Potawatomi, b. 1939), 10 contemporary artists draw on aspects of The exhibition includes works by is an homage to the Ashaninka, an Andean Norman, Oklahoma their heritage to create new and compelling Marvin Oliver (Quinault/Isleta Pueblo, b. forest people whose members formerly Pottery, pigments works of art. 1946), whose glass sculpture depicts salmon, visited his hometown in Peru; Jackie Larson NMAI purchase from the artist, 2005 The exhibition covers vast territory: from which his people are descended; Bread (Pikuni Blackfeet, b. 1960) whose art the works illustrate how connections to Lillian Pitt (Warm Springs/Wasco/Yakama, reflects the past and present of her Blackfeet Native culture, tradition and history serve b. 1943), who uses art to honor her culture people; Jeri Redcorn (Caddo/Potawatomi, as a catalyst for contemporary Native and heritage from the Columbia River b. 1939), who uses pottery to connect to her artistic expression. “Ancestral Connections” region; Jim Schoppert (Tlingit, 1947–1992), ancestors and their history; and Isabel Rorick shows how the featured artists use heritage, whose sculptures challenge the definition of (Haida, b. 1955) and Robin Rorick (Haida, tradition, and history—sometimes combined Northwest Coast Indian art; Michael Massie b. 1980) whose painted spruce root basketry with personal experiences or remembered (Labrador Inuit/Métis, b. 1962), who draws hats connect them to their ancestral roots. ancestors—as reference points rather than inspiration from cultures beyond his own rules for their art. Some of the artists have 9A • The Seminole Tribune • April 30, 2019 Health Dr. Tonemah provides insight about trauma’s impact on the brain

BY DERRICK TIGER just one thing because each of us are put Staff Reporter together differently, your brain is put together differently and things that happen prenatally and genetically all determine how big of an HOLLYWOOD — Dr. Darryl event this is to that part of the brain.” Tonemah, a Native health psychologist who Tonemah also stated that the brain is has been leading health seminars on Seminole most susceptible to trauma in childhood. reservations in recent months, returned to “When you come into the world the brain the Hollywood health complex March 27 to is only 17 percent done developing, so what provide insight on understanding the effects it does is it says ‘How is the world? And how trauma has on the human brain. do I need to adjust?’” Tonemah said. “And if According to numerous studies, trauma the world is alcoholic, if the world is chaotic, impacts three areas of the brain: the prefrontal if the world is abusive, if the world is cold, cortex also referred to as the “Thinking if the world is non-nurturing, if the world is Center;” the anterior cingulate cortex also distant, then the brain adjusts to how it needs known as the “Emotion Regulation Center;” to survive in that world.” and the amygdala, which is called the “Fear One factor to take into account, Center.” according to Tonemah, is that when trauma All three of these parts of the brain are occurs it is not stored in the “logic” center altered when trauma occurs. The “Thinking of the brain, so a person suffering from Center” and “Emotion Regulation Center” traumatic stress may not respond to logical become underactive while the “Fear Center” questions. Tonemah – who has a degree in becomes overactive. psychology – believes talk therapy to be Tonemah said the brain registers less effective when dealing with trauma so Derrick Tiger memories as having a beginning, middle he approaches it as more of a physiological Dr. Darryl Tonemah has been leading seminars in recent months on Seminole reservations, including Hollywood on March 27. and end. However, when it is introduced process. to trauma the brain only accounts when it “What I’m concerned about is how are started, when it occurred, but never processes you feeling right now?” Tonemah said. “The about is how it feels in them. If I had a picture still be there so the question is, ‘how much basic controlled breathing which affects the it as having an ending. event is over. When somebody is talking to of someone who hit me 25 years ago but it weight does it have?’” stress center of the brain, reducing anxiety “The level of trauma is determined by me they’re not going to be able to go back and means nothing to me—if it has no weight in A physical action he suggests for and increasing alertness. the level of activation,” Tonemah said. “And change the event. What their most concerned me--that’s reconciliation. The memory will managing overwhelming traumatic stress is all that is relative to the person. There’s not

Task force formed on protecting Native children in IHS system FROM PRESS RELEASE from sexually assaulting children while NIHB elects new executive board acting in his capacity as a doctor in the FROM PRESS RELEASE Kitcheyan, Great Plains Area, Winnebago Reservation WASHINGTON — President Donald Indian Health Service. The pediatrician left Tribe of Nebraska • The position of Treasurer is J. Trump announced March 26 the formation the agency in 2016 and is now in Federal • Vice-Chair (2019-2020): William continuing its current term and is held by of a Presidential Task Force on Protecting prison. In February, during the National Indian Smith, Alaska Area, Valdez Native Tribe Samuel Moose, Bemidji Area, Mille Lacs Native American Children in the Indian The task force will be co-chaired by Health Board’s 2019 quarterly board of • Secretary (2019-2021): Lisa Elgin, Band of Ojibwe. Health Service System. According to a Joseph Grogan, Assistant to the President directors meeting, members of the board held California Area, Manchester-Pt. Arena Band White House press release, Trump has for Domestic Policy, and the Honorable elections for the positions of chairperson, of Pomo Indians charged the task force with investigating the Trent Shores, United States Attorney for the vice-chair, member-at-large, and secretary. • Member-at-Large (2019-2020): institutional and systemic breakdown that Northern District of Oklahoma and citizen The new NIHB Executive Committee Andrew Joseph Jr., Portland Area, failed to prevent a predatory pediatrician of the Choctaw Nation. Members are: • Chairperson (2019-2021): Victoria Confederated Tribes of the Colville Native American nutrition conference to be held in September

FROM PRESS RELEASE and food science, and identify new In addition to programming areas of work. exclusively related to Native The fourth annual Conference Sessions will explore nutrition, the two conferences will on Native American Nutrition youth voices, urban and rural have joint sessions that will focus will be held at the Mystic Lake nutrition issues, best practices on telling the stories of the work in Center in Prior Lake, Minnesota for collaboration between Native Native food and nutrition. from Sept. 15-18. The conference communities and academic Early bird pricing on will bring together tribal officials, researchers, and more. The event conference registration ends July researchers, practitioners and will also be held in conjunction with 15. For more information visit others to discuss the current state of the Native American Journalists seedsofnativehealth.org. Indigenous and academic scientific Association’s annual National knowledge about Native nutrition Native Media Conference. Healing the Circle Symposium to be held in Hollywood FROM PRESS RELEASE information on women’s empowerment along with positive healthy relationships. Topics for the symposium (including but not HOLLYWOOD — THealing the Cirlce in Our limited to): domestic violence, positive healthy Tribal Communities Symposium will be held Oct 15- relationships, self-care/love, women’s empowerment, 17 at the Native Learning Center in Hollywood. elder abuse awareness and missing and murdered The focus of the symposium is to bring awareness Indigenous women. of the importance of safe and healthy environments Register at NativeLearningCenter.com/Healing. for Native people. Training will provide advocates For more information call the NLC at 954-985-2315. and survivors cutting edge content and in-depth

Judith A. Homko Marital & Family Law

Divorce Alimony Modifications Prenuptial Agreements Appeals Paternity Issues Child Support Domestic Violence (954) 525-0651 | (954) 525-1898 Fax 320 S.E. 9th Street, Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33316 10A • The Seminole Tribune • April 30, 2019 SEMINOLE SCENES

Beverly Bidney BINGO-N-BBQ: We Do Recover hosted a BBQ April 4 for the Immokalee seniors and community. Although the weather was cloudy and windy, it didn’t put out the flames in the massive grills or disturb the rousing bingo game under the chickee. Josh Garza, left, cuts the ribs as Lee Jumper and Billie Tiger, above, grill the burgers.

onePulseFoundation/Facebook HARD ROCK HEALS: At right, in March, the Hard Rock Heals Foundation makes a $10,000 donation to the onePulse Foundation, a 501(c) 3 incorporated by the Beverly Bidney owners of Pulse Nightclub and created following the 2016 mass shooting at GRANDPA LOVE: In the shade of the chickee, Douglas Osceola the club in Orlando. Donations to the foundation are used for the construction enjoys the company of his granddaughter Jaden Osceola- and operation of an official memorial and museum, community grants and Haltof at the Naples Earth Day celebration April 22. educational programs and scholarships. “We would like to sincerely thank Hard Rock Hotel at Universal Orlando and the Hard Rock Heals Foundation for their charitable donation of $10,000. Your incredible generosity and continued support are invaluable in making our vision a reality,” onePulse said on its Facebook page.

Kevin Johnson (2) NAYO SCENES: At left, Salina Dorgan, from the Tribe’s recreation department, holds up a 2019 NAYO basketball shirt which she designed the back of for the tournament which was held April 25-26 at the Howard Tiger Recreation Center in Hollywood. The shirts turned out to be a popular item; they were just about soldout by late afternoon on the second day. At right, spectators Jeremy Smith, Jack Smith, Leona Johnson and Javaris Johnson show their support while watching a game. The annual youth tournament featured hundreds of Native American players from the Seminole, Choctaw, Cherokee, Seneca, Poarch Creek and Miccosukee tribes and other tribes.

Beverly Bidney MORNING AT CAMP- As the early morning sun shines through the live oaks and chickees, Pemayetv Emahakv Charter School teachers and students work in the Brighton culture camp April 17 as they participate in the school’s annual culture days.

Beverly Bidney (2) GONE FISHIN’: Above, Big Cypress recreation employee Marcus Thompson helps kids do some fishing March 27 off the Eight Clans Bridge during the department’s spring break camp. At right, Jayde Billie and Jaden Henderson spend an afternoon at the fishing hole, or canal, during the camp. 11A • The Seminole Tribune • April 30, 2019 NATIONAL Cheyenne Kippenberger: NATIVE NEWS Miss Indian World

New law and policy firm boasts effect on us, I feel,” he said. “The tribe is majority ownership by Native women utilizing any and all of its resources to try to help the communities that have been Harold Big Fire was a fighter, a boxer. impacted.” But when a car accident stole his left The prairie reservation is roughly the size arm, the Winnebago father had to find of Delaware and Rhode Island combined and another way to support his family. is home to nearly 20,000 people, about half So he became a heavy equipment living in poverty, according to U.S. Census operator. Bureau statistics. Heavy snowfall and a rapid “I mean, who drives heavy equipment melt this month led to overland flooding, with one arm? He did,” said Lance Morgan, swollen creeks and rivers, swamped roads president and CEO of Ho-Chunk Inc., the and broken water lines. Winnebago Tribe’s economic development corporation. - Argusleader.com Recently, Morgan began searching for names for a new law firm he planned to New Mexico replaces Columbus launch, and he said he couldn’t think of a Day with Indigenous People’s Day better one than his grandfather’s. “He pretty much was the toughest guy I New Mexico will no longer celebrate knew in my life, and I like the idea of honoring Columbus Day on the second Monday his name and his image and especially on of October, instead opting for a holiday something that hopefully creates some honoring Native Americans. permanence in Indian Country.” Democratic Gov. Michelle Lujan [Recently], Morgan and seven other Grisham on Tuesday signed a measure that attorneys launched the Big Fire Law and creates Indigenous Peoples’ Day and nixes Policy Group, a new law firm borne out Columbus Day from the list of official state of Morgan’s former legal partnership – holidays, according to the Albuquerque Fredericks, Peebles and Morgan – which Journal. The bill sailed through the legislature Morgan and several of Big Fire’s attorneys earlier this year. recently left. New Mexico joins a growing number of Big Fire’s six partners are Morgan, states and municipalities that are replacing Leonika Charging, Sheila Corbine, Nicole the holiday celebrating Columbus with a Damon Scott Ducheneaux, Burton Warrington and day honoring indigenous peoples, though the Above, Miss Florida Seminole Cheyenne Kippenberger does a traditional Seminole hair demonstration during the talent competition April 27 at the Miss Danelle Smith. Two other attorneys, Joseph federal holiday remains in place. The changes Indian World Pageant in New Mexico. Below, Cheyenne enters the arena on the final night of the competition. More than 10,000 people filled the arena. V. Messineo and Michael Novotny, join are in response to a growing controversy the firm as senior associate and associate, over the validity of honoring Columbus as a respectively. hero because of his treatment of indigenous With four of its six partners being people. women, Big Fire is one of the first law firms The New Mexico measure was in the country owned by a majority of Native introduced by state Rep. Derrick Lente, women. a Democrat and a member of the Sandia “That makes us unique in Indian Pueblo tribe in central New Mexico, the Country,” Morgan said. Albuquerque Journal reports. New Mexico Charging, a citizen of the Mandan, has 23 American Indian nations and tribes. Hidatsa and Arikara Nation, said she’s hopeful Big Fire will serve as a shield for - usnews.com Indian Country, representing tribes, tribal organizations, Alaska Native corporations and tribal gaming enterprises, among others. U.S. lawmakers introduce bill to She said she decided to become a protect Native American site from lawyer after seeing the impact of the Pick- drilling Sloan Missouri Basin Program on her tribe in North Dakota. New Mexico lawmakers introduced a The federal flood control project flooded bill to protect federal lands around the Chaco much of the productive land on the Fort Canyon from drilling and mining, attempting Berthold Reservation, as well as the homes to permanently shield the Native American and lands of hundreds of tribal families. cultural site from recurring attempts at oil Charging said she understood then that and gas leasing. her people, and all Native people, needed U.S. Senators Tom Udall and Martin competent attorneys to protect their interests Heinrich and U.S. Representatives Ben Ray from public and private encroachment. Luján and Deb Haaland introduced the Chaco She said a Native-owned law firm brings Cultural Heritage Area Protection Act, which expertise to Native law issues that non- would bar any future leasing or development Native-owned law firms can’t by being able of minerals owned by the U.S. government to understand the challenges facing tribes. located within a 10-mile protected radius of And Charging said she’s particularly the area. gratified to be able to work for a law firm The Federal Bureau of Land Management that appreciates the value of diversity within had deferred a planned lease sale of around its ranks. She said many law firms simply 1,500 acres within 10 miles of the park in aren’t concerned with understanding why so February after strong public opposition. It few women serve as partners or supervisors was the third attempt by the administration within their organizations. to offer those lands for leasing. “We’re beyond that,” she said of “Even as archaeologists are making Big Fire. “We’re built on a foundation of exciting new discoveries about this region diversity. We’re built on a foundation of – and even as Tribes and the American gender equity, pay equity and providing public speak out in overwhelming support of opportunity for attorneys of color.” protecting this precious landscape – Chaco Damon Scott (3) Morgan said Big Fire plans to add three is being threatened by expanding energy At right, Wanda Bowers gives more attorneys, making it one of the larger development, including recently proposed two thumbs up after Miss Florida law firms in the country practicing Indian leasing inside this long-standing buffer Seminole Cheyenne Kippenberger law. And unlike many of those large law zone,” Udall said in a statement. became the first Seminole Tribal firms, which don’t usually focus on Native The Navajo Nation, as well as the member to win Miss Indian World. law, Big Fire’s primary mission will be to All Pueblo Council of Governors (APCG) Standing with her are Cheyenne’s serve its Native clients. backed the legislation, which they said father Joe Kippenberger and to He said an explosion of economic would protect sacred sites from development his right Cheyenne’s grandmother development in Indian Country has provided and environmental destruction. Lawanna Osceola-Niles, who was greater opportunity and need for Native “This land is a part of our histories Miss Florida Seminole in 1960. At attorneys to protect tribal interests. He said as tribal nations, and holds life-affirming far right is current Miss Jr. Florida his goal is to create the largest Native-owned resources that many of our Pueblos still Seminole Clarice DeMayo. Below, Cheyenne sports a smile with other law firm in the country within the next five remember and use,” said All Pueblo Council contestants during the competition. to 10 years. of Governors Chairman E. Paul Torres. “We want to create the 800-pound “Once these areas are developed, they are See complete coverage of the new gorilla in our world, and we want it to be gone forever.” Miss Indian World in the May 31 issue Native-controlled,” Morgan said. of the Tribune. He said the firm’s attorneys bring with - Yahoo! News them valuable life experiences, having served as tribal judges, tribal economic Louisiana tribe protects historic development executives and elected tribal leaders. sites with oyster shells Among them is Warrington, a citizen of the Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation, who A wall of oyster shells has been erected served for five years as the CEO of his tribe’s near Montegut to protect historical Native economic development corporation. American mounds threatened by erosion and Warrington said his experiences inform sea level rise. his approach to Native legal issues and The partially-submerged wall was inspire him to continue seeking to protect completed this month by the Coalition to tribal interests. Restore Coastal Louisiana (CRCL), Pointe- “Because of our ancestors, we’re here au-Chien Indian Tribe and more than 100 now, and it’s on our shoulders to keep this volunteers. They spent weeks hauling and fight up in a little different way,” he said. placing about 200 tons of shells gathered “For us, it’s being attorneys and from New Orleans-area restaurants. contributing to the preservation and The wall will act as an artificial reef, advancement of our tribal rights.” fostering the growth of oysters and other marine life while protecting a collection of - Indianz.com mounds valued by members of the tribe. “Our ancestors made these mounds, so we won’t just stand by while they are washed Flooding hits Pine Ridge Reservation away,” Pointe-au-Chien member Donald Dardar said. Flooding that has hit parts of the Midwest “We like that the oyster bed will be hard has nearly paralyzed an American good for other fish, too, since we’re mostly Indian reservation in southern South Dakota, commercial fishermen here,” added Theresa swamping roads, trapping people in homes Dardar, Donald’s wife. and cutting off water supplies to thousands. The oyster reef is the second built by The situation on the sprawling Pine CRCL in Louisiana. In 2016, the organization Ridge Reservation was improving Tuesday, finished a half-mile-long reef in St. Bernard but two weeks of severe flooding could put Parish using more than 4,000 tons of recycled the Oglala Sioux tribe in recovery mode for shells. months, if not longer, and deal a serious blow to its economy, President Julian Bear Runner said. “This is going to have a devastating 12A • The Seminole Tribune • April 30, 2019

South Florida’s Only place to ROCK! HARD ROCK EVENT CENTER

may 3 may 5 JUDAS PRIEST EVANESCENCE WITH SPECIAL GUEST URIAH HEEP

may 9 may 10 WANDA SYKES RUMBLE AT THE ROCK V LIVE ON STAGE NIGHT OF THE UNDEFEATED

may 11 may 25 TOM JONES AN INTIMATE EVENING WITH KRISTIN CHENOWETH

may 31 June 7 TYLER HENRY THE CLAIRVOYANTS HOLLYWOOD MEDIUM

GET TICKETS! TICKETMASTER.COM MYHRL.COM • HARDROCKHOLLY.COM

19-SHRH-3142 - May Seminole Tribune Ad 2019.indd 1 4/16/2019 5:47:57 PM 1B • The Seminole Tribune •April 30, 2019 Education B Aubee Billie stars in ‘Miss Saigon’ BY KEVIN JOHNSON Nearly all the credited roles in “Miss Senior Editor Saigon” belonged to juniors and seniors, but Aubee Billie, as a sophomore, managed to capture the lead. WEST PALM BEACH — If you “She’s 15 and she’s remarkable,” is how think “Miss Saigon” is simply a girl meets The King’s Academy artistic director David boy love story, or in this case, a Vietnam teen Snyder described Aubee to the audience meets American GI love story, think again. prior to the start of the April 11 performance. And if you think Aubee Billie is just Before the end of the night, audience a typical 15-old-year high school student, members, who included some Seminoles, think again. concurred with Snyder’s critique. For three captivating hours on a “I think she’s spectacular and one of Thursday evening in April, Billie, a the great up-and-coming Native American sophomore at The King’s Academy, whisked stars,” said Spencer Battiest, who is already the audience on an emotional roller- an accomplished singer and actor. “For me coaster ride with a riveting performance and my career, it makes me so happy because that culminated with a thundering standing that’s what I want to see, I want to see that ovation and an abundance of well-deserved generation take it further than I ever could.” praise at the school’s Page Family Center for Aubee Billie saw Battiest perform in the Performing Arts in West Palm Beach. Native American play “Distant Thunder.” Acing the play’s lead role of Vietnamese “That was her first time in New York,” teenager Kim during and after the Vietnam Battiest said. “It was a cool experience to War, Billie flawlessly ventured through the have here there. And now, two years later, to peaks and valleys of a turbulent teenage see her on stage in a role like this, I feel like and young adult life precariously occupied a proud brother. She has a beautiful voice by abandonment, romance, marriage, and she’s going to be a star.” motherhood, love triangle, murder, suicide Joni Josh, who worked in the chairman’s and war in besieged Saigon in the mid- office when James Billie was chairman, 1970s. remembered Aubee’s visits and her voice. But this lead role in The King’s “She’s great. She’d come into the office Academy Theatre Company production did and sing. She’d sing everything. She’s really more than shine a bright spotlight on the taken off. I’m so proud of her,” Josh said. daughter of James and Maria Billie; it also Praise for Billie’s performance extended brought her closer to her dad’s military past, beyond the Tribe, too. Theatre-goer Jerry which she grasped to further her role and Waldman didn’t have to wait until the end of understanding of the war. the play to give a thumbs up. “The way I relate to it is from my Amber Loveland/The King’s Academy “She’s terrific. She’s 15-years-old. dad because he served in the Vietnam War Aubee Billie, center, performs in The King’s Academy Theatre Company’s production of “Miss Saigon” in April. Billie, a sophomore at The King’s Academy She’s wonderful,” Waldman said during for two years,” Billie said, “so hearing his in West Palm Beach, played the leading role of Kim, a Vietnamese teen who falls in love with an American GI during the Vietnam War. intermission. stories and most of the scenes in there are The audience witnessed what Snyder, actually what guys did, like them going to the director, has appreciated ever since Billie bars and them getting girls and paying for drama; this is Broadway-show quality,” he they needed replacements, so I was one of she was dead,” James Billie said. “That was said. the replacements.” touching.” earned the role. girls and stuff like that. I relate to the story “Every night I sit back and I wonder through my dad and through research and James Billie was an airborne trooper in It wasn’t the play’s war scenes, James Billie said his daughter caught the U.S. Army who served in Vietnam in the however, that tugged at his heart the most; the acting and singing bug at about age 11 where is she getting all this from as a seeing the pictures and how [the women] 15-year-old. She comes out on stage and climbed up the gates just to get freedom and mid-to-late 1960s. rather it was when Kim sends her young son or 12 when she told her parents she wanted “I went over there with the 101st to America and waves goodbye, a somber to go to a summer fine arts camp in New immediately the audience is engaged with just to survive.” her. Immediately, the moment she walks on James Billie, a former chairman of the Airborne, but then once you get there it moment reminiscent of one that happened in York. She’s returned to the camp in ensuing don’t matter who you’re with, when the James Billie’s life when he was a kid. summers. stage there’s something about her presence,” Seminole Tribe of Florida, attended nearly Snyder said. every performance of “Miss Saigon” during outfit needs some people, they just put “The touchy part was not because of “This year I asked her if she is going to its two-week run that ended April 13. you in there,” James Billie said. “The 25th Vietnam. The last time I saw my mother she go back,” James Billie said. “She said, ‘No. “This is not what you call high school infantry from Hawaii was really get their was at Broward General Hospital, second When I came to [The King’s Academy], F See AUBEE BILLIE on page 6B rear-ends kicked. They had a bad battle and floor, waving to us good-bye. Two days later everything I wanted is right here’.” Seminole Tribe honors defending national champion Seminoles of Indian wisdom and culture and life itself,” BY KEVIN JOHNSON Osceola said. Senior Editor The portrait was made by Leroy Osceola and was presented on behalf of Chairman Any time Florida State University and Marcellus W. Osceola Jr.’s office. The the University of Florida meet in athletics the medallion was made by Tina Marie Osceola competitions carry additional significance and was presented on behalf of President thanks to the matchup being one of the best Mitchell Cypress’s office. rivalries in the nation, no matter the sport. Alameda treasures the relationship When the defending national champion between FSU and the Tribe. Seminoles softball team hosted the Gators “It was a great honor to host the on April 17 there was even more magnitude Seminole Tribe for the game and it is than usual. a continual privilege to represent the Both teams were ranked in the top six in Seminoles every day as the head coach of the country. More than 1,800 fans – the third the FSU softball team,” Alameda wrote in largest home crowd in FSU history – filled an email to the Tribune. “It is outstanding JoAnne Graf Field for the Wednesday night to have the relationship that we do with showdown. Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis threw the Tribe and how often they are willing out the first pitch. And the Seminole Tribe to come up and share the stories of their was represented in a pregame ceremony history, or be gracious and hospitable to us by Richard Osceola, who presented FSU when we are down in South Florida. I aspire coach Lonnie Alameda with a framed to be everything that Mother Morningstar portrait of a woman that he referred to as represents in being a strong leader and will “Mother Morningstar” and a medallion of treasure the portrait and the necklace forever. the Mother on a necklace. The presentations As head coach of the FSU softball program, were made in recognition of FSU’s national I not only want to develop the young women championship squad from a year ago. into the best players and students that they “We’re honoring [coach Alameda] with can be, but also to educate them on what the the success she’s had here,” Osceola said, Seminole Tribe represents and their long “and being a woman’s team, we thought it history. We appreciate our relationship with would be nice to give her a portrait of a lady.” the Tribe and how we are part of a communal Osceola explained that the portrait and family.” medallion represent wisdom among other As for the game, FSU fell to UF, 4-0, things and that each clan has a “Mother but the Seminoles rebounded right away, Morningstar” or someone of similar ilk. winning their next six games as of April 27 and upping their record to 44-8. Ryals Lee (2) “She’s a wisdom woman. She has a lot Above, Richard Osceola presents Florida State softball coach Lonni Alameda with gifts on behalf of the Seminole Tribe’s Tribal Council and Board of Directors during a pregame ceremony April 17 before FSU’s home game against Florida. Below, generations of the Osceola family attend FSU’s game against Florida.

Ryals Lee Florida State shortstop Cali Harrod shakes hands with Richard Osceola, who made a pregame presenation on behalf of the Seminole Tribe’s Tribal Council and Board of Directors. 2B • The Seminole Tribune • April 30, 2019 Living, learning history at PECS culture camp

BY BEVERLY BIDNEY “You can’t help who you fall in Staff Reporter love with, but you want to try to keep the Seminole blood,” Buster said. “You need to learn the stuff we are doing here so you can BRIGHTON — Pemayetv Emahakv pass it on to your children.” Charter School students brought history to More pearls of wisdom were shared life in April as they learned to live as their with the girls. ancestors did at culture camp. “Learn to sew, do beadwork and make The annual culture camp days featured crafts,” Shore said. “Learn your language. age-appropriate hands-on tasks and activities Language is who you are; if you lost that, on April 17 for grades 7-8 and April 18 for you lose everything.” grades 4-6. On the first day, the older students “Use the words you learn in class,” learned to scale and clean fish, break down added Buster. “If you use them, you will cabbage palms to make swamp cabbage and get used to speaking. You all know a lot of played traditional games such as horseshoes words; just use them in conversation with and corn hole. each other.” Most of the day’s activities were gender After the girls served lunch, the students specific: boys slaughtered and butchered a went to the other activities. Girls learned to 250-pound hog, carved spears from cypress make the hairstyle often seen in black and wood, shot arrows at animal-shaped targets white photos of ancestors in the Everglades. and threw tomahawks. Girls prepared the The hair is wrapped around a piece of traditional meal, which included pork, fish, cardboard and kept in place with a net. frybread, swamp cabbage, sweet potatoes, “They wore it that way to block the green beans, rice and stew with gravy. sun,” said culture instructor Jade Osceola. They also cleaned and roasted three water “We wore it instead of a hat; we probably turtles, ground corn and made roasted corn couldn’t have afforded a hat.” sofkee, tossed skillets and learned to create By the end of the day, kids had traditional Seminole hairstyles. experienced a time gone by. “Learning this will help me survive in “This has taught me to respect my elders, the wilderness if anything happens,” said cherish my culture and learn everything I eighth-grader Tatiana Torres, 15. “It’s cool can while I can,” said eighth-grader Pherian and fun learning what our ancestors used to Baker, 14. “It’s important to me and I want it do; they were smart.” to be around for my grandchildren and great- Girls listened and watched around a grandchildren.” Beverly Bidney The message to learn the culture and use table as Helene Buster demonstrated how PECS eighth-grade girls show off their traditional hairstyles in a formal portrait at the Brighton culture camp April 17. to make fry bread light and fluffy. She told it or lose it was a strong one. them the key is not to work the dough too “We went from doing everything for much or it will get hard when it is cooked. year. Eighth-grader Shylynn Testerman, 14, one Creator.” home to the family,” Buster explained. “If ourselves to being able to pay someone to do Most of the students have been learning will miss having it in the future, but she plans Buster gave advice for living an you were a good cook, you made sure to things for us,” Helene Buster said. “A little culture throughout their time at PECS and to keep learning from her great-grandmother honorable life and told the boys to stay make enough so you could eat too.” bit of knowledge is better than none. Two have attended culture camp before. For Emma Fish. focused on what they are doing, where they The discussion then turned to marriage days of culture camp probably isn’t enough, eighth-graders, this was their last time Seventh-graders noticed a marked are and why. Follow rules. Be aware of every and the importance of marrying into the but it gives them a taste of the culture.” spending the day under the oaks and chickees difference in camp now that they are the word they speak, be precise. Observe so they Tribe to maintain it. at the Brighton camp. older students. Tasks and responsibilities are can learn what is going on. “I try not to think about this as my last quite different as a younger student. “You need to be knowledgeable enough year, this school has been a home to me,” “We stand out here longer and help out to provide for the family,” he said. “You said eighth-grader Winnie Gopher, 13. “I’ve more,” said seventh-grader CeCe Thomas, can do anything you want if you put your learned respect for the elders who come out 13. “When we’re younger they don’t trust us minds to it and try hard. Take care of your and do this with us; they don’t have to. It as much. Now they let us cook by the fire. I body so it will last a long time. Stay strong. humbles me. Every time I come out here, see how hard our ancestors had to work just I never use the word power, I use energy and they teach me more and more.” to cook a meal. I’m thankful for what we knowledge. The Creator has all the power.” Brighton elders come to help every year have now, but I don’t take it for granted.” Over at the girls’ discussion, the women with a mission to pass the culture on to the Instead of the usual legends storytelling talked about practical matters that pertain to next generations. sessions during the day, this year the boys females. “We do it so the culture can continue,” and girls were divided up for discussion “Every month you have to take care of Alice Sweat said. “Someone has to teach about Seminole life. Andy Buster met with yourself,” Shore said. “Use a special plate these things, we aren’t going to be around the boys while Sweat, Jenny Shore and and silverware during that time and don’t forever. The girls are eager to learn. Helene Buster talked to the girls. Their share food with other girls or boys.” Hopefully they can add this to their modern approaches were quite different, but equally “I used to have to go eat by myself,” homes.” interesting. added Helene Buster. “We weren’t allowed Culture used to be taught in clans by Andy Buster aimed to tell the boys to swim, ride horses or sit at the table with family members, but accommodations are about what it means to be a Seminole man. other people. We were told we would make made for today’s modern lifestyles. He spoke as the boys sat in a semi-circle the boys sick.” “You are blessed,” Sweat said. “We at STOF are all blessed. I encourage you to use your money wisely; take care of yourself and your children with it.” Traditionally, Seminole men have always been providers of food for the family while the women have always cooked the meals. Beverly Bidney “Women ate last because you want the Seventh- and eighth-grade girls line up to place fry bread in the hot oil over the open fire during PECS men to stay healthy so they could bring food culture camp day.

Beverly Bidney Teachers and students worked together to make sure these water turtles were on the lunch menu. The turtles needed to be cleaned out, which as it turns out, wasn’t an easy task.

“Even though we aren’t their family, the elders in the community come together to around him. teach it and pass it on,” Buster said. “Every “At the very beginning, there was clan has their own ways and the kids have to nothing,” Buster said. “But the Creator had a learn those from them. We teach the general plan. He wanted somebody to look after the things; I always tell them this is the way I land so he took clay, made it into the image was taught.” of himself and blew on it. That was the first man. We came from his breath and his spirit. Students appreciate the opportunity to Beverly Bidney learn and look forward to culture camp every No matter what people call it, there is only Ohnie Osceola observes as students take turns grinding roasted corn fine enough to make sofkee.

Beverly Bidney Beverly Bidney Davey Snow shows Pherian Baker and Jarrett Beecham how to butcher a hog. All the boys at the PECS culture camp participated in preparing the hog for Jenny Shore shows Jaime Smith how to create the iconic Seminole hairstyle. the girls to cook. 3B • The Seminole Tribune • April 30, 2019 Tribal preschools celebrate Week of the Young Child together BY BEVERLY BIDNEY activities and shared information under Staff Reporter the chickees on the Junior Cypress Rodeo grounds. “I want families to know they aren’t BIG CYPRESS — Oozing with alone in raising their children,” Jumper cuteness, hundreds of preschoolers from said. “These departments are their support Big Cypress, Brighton, Immokalee and system.” Hollywood gathered together to celebrate This was the first time preschools tribal the Week of the Young Child at a carnival wide joined together for an activity, but it just for them April 12 in Big Cypress. likely won’t be the last. The youngsters were kept busy and “The Tribe always likes to do activities happy in bounce houses, ball pits, a petting for all age groups,” said Executive Director zoo, playing carnival games and being of Administration Lee Zepeda. “The dazzled by a clown as their teachers and departments all wanted to be a part of it and parents tried to keep up with them. everyone stepped up. We want to continue The Week of the Young Child this going forward.” emphasizes the importance early childhood programs have on children’s lives. Founded in 1971, the annual event is sponsored by the National Association for the Education of Young Children. “The focus of the Week of the Young Child is to remind everyone that the first Beverly Bidney (4) 1,000 days of life are so important,” said BC Scenes from the preschool carnival April 12 in Big Preschool Center Manager Andrea Jumper. Cypress: far left, Paisley Doctor sits patiently as “Preschool creates sensory rich activities she gets her face painted with swirls of color.; that develop social, emotional, cognitive and top center, Mama Clown entertains the kids with language skills. It looks like fun, but it all magic; bottom center, Khiyan Hodge brushes a has a purpose.” baby pig in the petting zoo; above, Indigo Jumper In addition to the carnival games and and Bibi Osceola enjoy some cold, sweet shaved bounce houses, Tribal departments set up ice from the Snow Kone Factory booth. PECS Students of the Month Ahfachkee wins SECME teamwork award

BY BEVERLY BIDNEY the team works together. Judges, participated,” Principal Dorothy March 2019 Staff Reporter volunteers and community partners Cain wrote in an email. spent the day judging the criteria Members of the Ahfachkee Elementary School Urijah Bowers Brandon Gabbard BIG CYPRESS — Ahfachkee for the award, which included team teams were fourth-graders Jaleesa Isabella Virto Josiah Gopher Etanis Torres middle school students brought spirit, sportsmanship, character and Hill and Thelma Tigertail; fifth- Madeline Solis Ana Banda Kaison Bush home the JJ Teamwork Award from SECME citizenship. graders Curtis Smith, Layla Billie, Claire Randolph Jayshawn Henderson the SECME Competition on March “Our students are setting Tommi Stockton, Lena Cypress, Jeremy Jones Bobbi Osceola Middle School 16 in Broward County. an amazing example out in the Sautva Billie and Tahnia Billie; Alakai Bert Daliyah Nunez Keenan Jones The Southeastern Consortium community. We are very proud of seventh-grader Thomas Tigertail Bentley Osceola Joleyne Nunez Marcos Reyna for Minorities in Engineering, our middle school students who and eighth-grader Ramona Jimmie. Kylo Cochran Kiera Snell Karlyne Urbina founded in 1975, is Marley Cypress Devon Mitchell Caitlin Olivarez an alliance of K-12 Joshua Torres Alyssa Madrigal educators, universities, Lason Baker industry and government partners committed to engaging and preparing more minorities and girls for college and careers in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM). Overall, 109 Broward County schools participated in the competition in some capacity. On the day of the event, 82 teams competed at Cooper City High School. The theme was Star Wars. The Ahfachkee teams participated in Banner, Mousetrap Powered Cars and Water Rockets competitions. Courtesy Ahfachkee School The “JJ” Teamwork Mrs. Oliva, Jalessa Hill, Laylah Billie, Thomas Tigertail, Tommi Stockton, Tahnia Billie, Ramona Award gauges how well Jimmie, Lena Cypress, Ms. Lampon and Curtis Smith.

Are you Hepatitis C aware?

Did you know American Indians and Alaska Natives are at greater risk of having hepatitis C?

Get tested. Get treated. Learn more at Medicare.gov or talk to your Indian health provider. 4B • The Seminole Tribune • April 30, 2019 Jetta Osceola wins Jackie Robinson Easter in Immokalee Breaking Barriers essay contest

BY BEVERLY BIDNEY Staff Reporter

BRIGHTON — In February, Pemayetv Emahakv Charter School students learned that life is about breaking barriers, just as baseball legend Jackie Robinson did when he started for the Brooklyn Dodgers in 1947. By being the first black baseball player to play on a major league team, Robinson was the epitome of what it means to break barriers and change the world. PECS students took inspiration from Robinson’s core values, such as teamwork, patience and perseverance, and crafted essays about obstacles they have faced for the Scholastic Breaking Barriers Essay Contest. Beverly Bidney (3) The national contest for grades 4-9 had two grand prize and eight MVP winners. The Immokalee community PECS fifth-grader Jetta Osceola won an enjoys its Easter celebration MVP award, which came with laptops for April 16 with Easter egg her and teacher Michelle Pritchard as well hunts, egg tosses and plenty as a set of books written by Robinson’s of food and friendship. Above, daughter Sharon Robinson. some adults try to keep raw “I am so very proud of Jetta,” Pritchard eggs intact as they toss and wrote in an email. “Jetta’s essay [is] very catch them. personal but as you read it, you can hear her At right, Moleana Hall enjoys playful spirit remind you that she is healing. the sunny day with her What an honor and what a sweet blessing grandson Mordaci Yzaguirre it was for all of my students. I pray they at the celebration. will want to enter this contest in the future Courtesy photo Below, Mark Jock keeps his -- as many of our students are overcoming Jetta Osceola, center, and some of her PECS classmates hold copies of one of Sharon Robinson’s eye on the ball, or egg, as he barriers each day.” books as they celebrate her win in the Jackie Robinson Breaking Barriers Essay Contest. successfully catches it.

Here is Jetta’s essay: things like drugs. When I really began to questions about my dad and how he died. realize that was happening and what he was Many people knew he had been struggling “A Kid Who Lost Her Dad” doing, I was sad and mad. That would really with drugs and they assumed the drugs killed hurt my mom, my two brothers, and me too. him when it was his blood clots. I really just I have the biggest barrier that most kids Sometimes he would come home late and we wanted everyone to stop questioning because my age don’t have. The barrier I have is that would not like that! In a nutshell, his drug I was still trying to heal through the pain. My my dad passed away when I was in third problem sort of led to his death. He had used brothers were sad and my little brother really grade. I am now in 5th grade but even as I drugs too long and that made his body break did not understand what was going on. My grow older -- this barrier can level me and down. Mom was a basket-case and our family just I become one sad little girl -- back in 3rd When my dad passed away, he was very really had a very hard time coping. It was grade. Jackie’s values that I relate to and use sick. He was in the hospital with blood clots. a very hard time, but we had to persist and to overcome my barriers are persistence and When he got out of the hospital, he was fine keep going. As I said, that was almost two courage. He was persistent and courageous for a couple of weeks or whatever, I don’t full years ago, but it seems like it was just as he played major league baseball in a know exactly how long. But, then the first yesterday. time where it seems everyone hated him. I day of school it happened. When I was at I am like Jackie in that I am persistent. too, have to be persistent and courageous to school, he went to his doctor to see if he was Like Jackie, even though I did not want to remember my dad and move forward. doing better. Actually that day he was not go to school, I did. I still kept up with my First of all, let me tell you about my feeling good and the blood clots came back. work so I could get good grades and meet dad. My dad was funny and sometimes he He was driving my mom’s car and he had my goals. I am in the fifth grade now. When was very good to us! He would spoil us by parked somewhere close and went to sleep I am done with school, I am going to college. buying us some dinner at fancy restaurants. and passed away in his sleep. Again that I want to go college for hair styling and Also, he would cook us some breakfast and was my first day of 3rd grade. It kind hits makeup. Then my dad will be super proud dinner. He cooked really well. He took us me hard each new school year. I am told he of me! I also know the dangers of drugs and to fun places, like Disney World or a water didn’t suffer - but I did. My mom did. My I will do my best to help my mom make sure park. He was a good dad! However, there brothers did. that my brothers and I don’t fall into the trap was some bad about my dad. The bad thing Jackie was persistent on the field. He of addiction like my Dad did. about my dad was that sometimes he was never quit. I wanted to quit school and I will overcome the barrier of being just not around family. He was out doing bad just move away. Everyone kept asking me a kid who lost her dad.

Easter celebration in Big Cypress

124TH

Featuring... GARY ALLAN with Special Guests

JIMMIE ALLEN HIGH VALLEY COREY SMITH SUPAMAN

Kevin Johnson (5) TH Scenes from Big Cypress’s Easter celebration April 18 at the Junior Cypress MAY 11 | GATES OPEN @ NOON Rodeo Arena grounds: clockwise from top photo, youngsters dash to fill their baskets with Easter eggs; Kyryn Billie does a good job picking up Easter eggs JUNIOR CYPRESS RODEO GROUNDS with support from Kristen Billie and Zaylee Billie; a rare bumper-to-bumper traffic jam on the reservation; Aaneah Delgado soars on a zip line ride; Maddy BIG CYPRESS SEMINOLE RESERVATION Garza is all smiles at the face-painting table. TICKETS $40 WWW.BCCELEBRATION.COM 5B • The Seminole Tribune • April 30, 2019 Remembering T. K. Wetherell: FSU President 2003–2010

BY BROWNING BROOKS courageous and determined to see things Under Wetherell, the university saw to offer high-quality education to students. Seminole name and honored Wetherell with through, no matter how formidable the task. its students reach unprecedented national This laid the groundwork for preeminence an invitation to the Big Cypress Reservation. “T.K. was an amazing man who was academic recognition. He established the funding later. Wetherell also devoted significant From college freshmen to the most able to accomplish so much because of his Office of National Fellowships in 2005, A career educator who served in the attention to a matter close to his heart: powerful politicians in Florida, all called boundless energy and his ability to focus and which guided students to win three Rhodes Florida House of Representatives 1980- preserving and honoring the history of his him simply “T.K.” continue working through any challenge,” scholarships and dozens of other competitive 1992, including two years as House Speaker, alma mater through the Heritage Protocol Florida State University President Abele said. “He was always optimistic that national awards. Wetherell earned his bachelor’s and master’s Committee, construction of a Legacy Emeritus Thomas Kent Wetherell, who whatever project he was working on would He established the Office of degrees, as well as a doctorate in education Walk, restoring campus traditions such as passed away Dec. 16, 2018, at the age of 72, be successful.” Undergraduate Research and Creative administration, from Florida State. Convocation, and campus beautification. leaves a legacy as one of higher education’s Soon after assuming office, Wetherell Endeavors, now called the Center for He served as president of Tallahassee He and his wife, Virginia, left a most dynamic and lifelong champions. launched the ambitious Pathways of Undergraduate Research and Academic Community College 1995-2001. Previously, permanent legacy with the creation of the At the helm of his alma mater from 2003 Excellence initiative that included Engagement, which allowed undergraduate he was president of Independent Colleges stately President’s House on West Tennessee to 2010, Wetherell was the first alumnus hiring additional faculty members in students to work directly with professors and Universities of Florida and was Street. The house includes large areas for of Florida State to become its president interdisciplinary clusters built around beyond the classroom, and innovative responsible for coordinating and promoting public events and was built and furnished and brought a wealth of experience and academic themes, significant investments in programs dramatically increased retention postsecondary higher educational completely with donated funds and materials. dedication to the institution that raised its graduate-level programs and $800 million and graduation rates. opportunities and programs in the state’s As a result of Wetherell’s advocacy and stature on many levels. worth of new construction and renovations, “In addition, beyond expanding private colleges. service, Florida State is a better university After retiring from the presidency, including state-of-the-art chemistry, academic programs and facilities, T.K. made Wetherell had served in a number of today, said Jim Smith, who served as Wetherell continued working to improve biological science, psychology and medicine sure that space for student life kept pace,” positions at Daytona State College, including chairman of the FSU Board of Trustees higher education as a professor in the College buildings that transformed the northwest said former Vice President for Student Affairs provost and dean of instruction. Before that, during Wetherell’s tenure. of Education and director of the Center for corner of campus into a research quadrangle. Mary Coburn, citing the addition of the he was associate professor of education at “Carole and I have had a wonderful Higher Education Research, Teaching & Wetherell achieved a major coup Dunlap Student Success Center, the Center Bethune-Cookman College. relationship with T.K. and Ginger for many Innovation. in 2005 when Florida State lured the for Global and Multicultural Engagement, A native of Daytona Beach, Wetherell years,” Smith said. “They are among our “As a veteran lawmaker, tireless Applied Superconductivity Center from and the Health and Wellness Center. “He was attended Florida State on a football closest friends, and it was a special privilege supporter of higher education and then as the University of Wisconsin in Madison, a tireless advocate for students and valued scholarship and played on the 1963-1967 to marry them in 1988. A highlight for me was president, T.K. used his energy and intellect where it had been housed for two decades. the importance of growth and learning football teams. to serve as chairman of the Board of Trustees to not only lead FSU through a severe budget The center became the materials research beyond the classroom.” Decades later, as president, he advocated during part of his presidency of FSU, where crisis but to make sure it flourished in so division of the National High Magnetic Field Under Wetherell, the College of a closer relationship with the Seminole Tribe he did many wonderful things for Florida many ways,” said President John Thrasher. Laboratory. Medicine graduated its first class, in of Florida. The university created a Seminole State and the Tallahassee community. His “He was a remarkable person and a great A new Alumni Center, new general 2005, opened six regional campuses and history course, began a new tradition passing leaves a big hole in our lives.” friend.” classroom building, parking garages, established research collaborations with the of tribe members participating in every Under Wetherell’s leadership, Florida residence halls, dining halls and other Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville and Tallahassee commencement ceremony and unveiled This article is from December 2018 and State increased the academic quality of its projects followed. Wetherell took special Memorial HealthCare. a bronze statue at the University Center is reprinted with permission from Florida students, the number of doctoral degrees interest in the $33-million repurposing and And it was Wetherell who pushed depicting a Seminole family during the wars State University News. awarded and the amount of research dollars renovation of Ruby Diamond Auditorium successfully for Florida’s public universities of the 1830s. In 2005, the Seminole Tribe it received, while experiencing a boom in into one of the finest concert halls in the to assess a tuition differential in an effort to of Florida approved a historic resolution campus building. Longtime former provost country. make up for budget shortfalls and continue supporting the university’s use of the Larry Abele remembered Wetherell as

Remembering T. K. Wetherell: ‘A great friend to the Tribe’

BY STEPHEN D. BOWERS the flags. Association) began to encourage colleges/ phone. The NCAA official questioned Max FSU Trustees, T.K. stated “I want to do This request of President Wetherell universities to discontinue use of American about the mascot issue. In a firm voice, Max some teaching. I want some time to relax and was the first of many interactions between Indian/Native American mascots. The told the official that “the Seminole people travel…just be a real person.” To me T.K. FSU and the Seminole Tribe of Florida. organization declared that the use of Indian fought the U.S. government to a standstill. was always a real person and a great friend Florida State University (FSU) The Seminole Tribe Color Guard first mascots could only continue if schools We are not bowing down to the NCAA!” to the Tribe. President T.K. Wetherell Requests met President Wetherell at the President’s obtained an official resolution from a tribe To Max, it was history repeating itself again Seminole Tribe Color Guard Commencement dinner held in the FSU whose name was used that authorized the with non-Indians trying to tell Indians what Seminole Tribe Color Guard School of Law prior to the initial graduation school to use the mascot name. President to do. Continues Today Soon after the United States invaded ceremony on Friday night. It is tradition Wetherell knew of the long-standing good On June 17, 2005 the Seminole Tribal Iraq in March of 2003, FSU President at FSU, and at most colleges/universities, relationship between the Seminole Tribe Council gave approval to FSU to use the The Seminole Tribe of Florida still has a T.K. Wetherell sent a letter to the then to have dinner with university department and FSU, and he was very adamant about name “Seminole.” In exchange, Seminole presence at FSU commencement through the Seminole Tribe Chairman, Mitchell Cypress, heads, university officials and the graduation keeping this relationship. T.K. and FSU Tribe of Florida members could attend Seminole Police Department. Many of our requesting the Seminole Tribe Color dignitaries. The dinner provides an were truly inspirational in working with the FSU tuition-free if they met the school’s law enforcement personnel served in Iraq. Guard at the school’s Spring Graduation opportunity to introduce the commencement Seminole Tribe to keep the name “Seminole” admission requirements. In the historical I would like to think that we continue ceremonies in April. The Seminole Tribe speaker for that graduation class to the associated with the school. words of the Tribe’s chairman at the time, our Color Guard presence in honor of the Color Guard was asked to present the flags Board of Trustees, and students who gained Prior to the Seminole Tribal Council Mitchell Cypress: “We could give Tribal late FSU President T.K. Wetherell. of the United States, Seminole Tribe of special recognition. During the first dinner approving FSU to use the “Seminole” name, members tangible items that could possibly Florida, State of Florida and the POW/ that the Seminole Color Guard attended, I realized that the NCAA was trying to one day be taken away from them, but FSU MIA flag. T.K. was also requesting that the T.K. introduced the group which represented discourage tribes from allowing colleges/ can give education to our people and that is Stephen D. Bowers served as a member Seminole Color Guard present the flags at a first in FSU history. universities to use their Indian name as something that no one can take away.” of the Seminole Tribe of Florida’s Color all future commencement activities as well. mascots. It reminded me of a story that Guard since it was formed many years ago. Many FSU students that were in the National NCAA Examines FSU’s Use of our former Seminole Tribal Councilman, T.K. Wetherell Leaves Florida State He had to stop performing with the group Guard had been deployed to Iraq as part of Seminole Name Max Osceola, told me. Max and a group of University last year when he fell and shattered his knee the invasion, and T.K. thought it would be Seminole motorcycle riders were on their cap. good to recognize their participation by In early summer of 2005, a large way to Sturges in South Dakota when an T.K. announced his retirement as FSU having the Seminole Color Guard present effort by NCAA (National College Athletic official of the NCAA called Max on his cell President in 2009. At his last meeting with 6B • The Seminole Tribune • April 30, 2019 Author’s Seminole War book tries to cure historical ‘amnesia’

BY DAMON SCOTT Monaco’s first book is “Moses Levy the sense of continuity, what came before, Staff Reporter of Florida: Jewish Utopian and Antebellum your place in it, a psychological place of Reformer.” He wrote it after a neighbor who wellbeing.” Author C.S. Monaco calls it the most was a professor at UF sparked his interest in Monaco said this yearning for historical dramatic event to take place in 19th century the character. Levy, who lived from 1782 to context, intuitive but often subtle, is why Florida. But it’s one that is largely unknown 1854, was the father of David Levy Yulee, people want to visit old places. – not just by those in the U.S. and abroad – a big name in Florida as the first person of “It’s important to one’s psychology; but even to many who live in the state where Jewish ancestry to be elected to serve as a and more and more in today’s society, it happened. U.S. senator. with technology, [it’s] vital to our spiritual The event is the Second Seminole War, “[Moses] Levy was totally ignored wellbeing – to get the story straight, the which took place largely in areas of central in history. He was a true individual of the truth, not some kind of hype,” he said. Florida from 1835 to 1842. Even though 177 Atlantic world. The British were fairly The sentiment was reinforced in a recent years might seem long ago, Monaco argues impressed with Levy, where the Abolitionist op-ed Monaco wrote for the Gainesville Sun that it’s really only a handful of generations Movement is a big deal,” Monaco said. “He – “Shed the amnesia, embrace the past.” past. was the first to disallow slavery, and a Jew “If you ask any stranger in Gainesville, Monaco said this last major conflict from Florida showing up in London and as I did recently, if they are familiar with fought on American soil before the Civil War making such an impact was unheard of.” the Second Seminole War, chances are that is significant for a number of reasons. Monaco said during his research, the the reply will be a rather brisk, if somewhat For one, he said, the early battlefield Second Seminole War always loomed in the mystified, success of the Seminoles would greatly background. ‘No,’” Monaco wrote. Courtesy photo unnerve U.S. generals. They worried the “Levy’s plantation was burned by the “If one persists and mentions that this C.S. Monaco is the author of ‘The Second Seminole Seminoles would ignite a rebellion among Seminoles. I was tempted to start a history seven-year, $40 million military conflict War and the Limits of American Aggression.’ Indians who had been displaced by President of the Seminole War, but I knew I needed actually started in Alachua County, then, an a breadth and scope of the study,” Monaco embarrassed laugh might ensue, as if such Andrew Jackson’s removal policies. of the public. There was also the presence of black said. a thing defied all comprehension. If people His interest peaked; Monaco would go remember anything about the war, it is “It’s a big thing to me and it should be warriors among the Seminoles who would to everyone who lives in Florida,” he said. agitate southerners who were wary of real on to earn his doctorate degree in England at usually vaguely connected to the Everglades; Oxford Brookes University. He’d continue certainly not in this area.” “We owe the Seminoles something. We took and potential slave revolt. part in this ethnic cleansing, a removal of a Monaco said the war would tarnish to research the Seminole War and its importance during the Territorial Period. Seminole connection Native population from the land in the most the U.S. Army’s reputation at home and brutal way possible.” abroad. This was sped up after the capture of the Limits of American Aggression,” which “I went back to the study of the war itself, to place it in perspective with the other Monaco gives a lot of credit to Paul Monaco said the Seminoles had a Seminole chief Osceola under the pretense analyzes the impact of the war in society and heroic vision that was almost completely of a truce. the impact it made in Jacksonian America. wars,” he said. Backhouse as a key contact in the process of writing the book. Backhouse is the director obliterated, and yet today the Tribe thrives Further, there were few decisive victories He writes about the war through the lenses like few other. for the U.S. Army, and bad decisions were of race, media, public opinion, American Why it’s important of the Ah-Tah-Thi-Ki Museum and officer at the Tribal Historic Preservation Office in “It’s worthy of respect and has to be made along the way, Monaco said. Fifteen expansion and military strategy. known in our modern day culture in Florida,” percent of soldiers died in Florida, out of a Monaco is a courtesy professor of Monaco said a lot of history books Big Cypress, a clearinghouse for Seminole are written through a strictly military lens. history. he said. standing army of just 10,000 men. history in the Department of History at the Monaco said he has formed a steering Even though there was desertion and University of Florida in Gainesville. He and He set out to write his book with a broader During the course of his research, perspective and to present both sides as Monaco also organized a Second Seminole committee to explore the possibility of a troops dealt with the harsh conditions in his wife live in nearby Micanopy. Seminole Wars Museum. the Florida wilderness, the losses for the He spent 15 years in New York as a equally as possible. War day of commemoration in Micanopy in “Not to know [about the Seminole Wars] 2015 and invited Seminole Tribal members “Should educators and historians simply Seminoles were disastrous. By the war’s television executive before returning to put our hands up in dismay and accept the end, only a few hundred would remain in the Florida in 1995. would be to sever oneself from the past, and members of the U.S. Army to attend. and that’s to live a life that’s diminished,” He said it was a day he’ll not soon general decline in historical knowledge and state. leave it at that?” Monaco said in his op-ed. Monaco’s recently published book, his Book’s origins – a war that ‘loomed’ Monaco said. “Culture heritage and history forget, as about 700 people came – including has become more important over the years, Seminoles, U.S. Army veterans and members The book is available through Johns second, is “The Second Seminole War and Hopkins University Press or Amazon.

signed with a professional company or with “Literally, every person I see in this cast, thanks to her performance in “Miss Saigon,” said. “She likes to dance and have fun with F AUBEE BILLIE an agency. I wouldn’t be surprised if that they are so talented … they are so good,” she at age 15 she’s proven she can handle a lead her friends, but when she puts that costume From page 1B happens before she graduated,” he said. said. role. on and she comes out on stage, she’s a true Billie said she’s interested in continuing But nobody was as good with a weapon “When you get to spend time with her in professional.” her academics, including performing arts, in as Billie, whose role required her to twice real life, she’s a normal 15-year-old,” Snyder Snyder said Billie is an ideal fit for the college. Carnegie Mellon University, New fire a gun. She became the first female to role of Kim which features plenty of singing. York University and Hofstra University ever fire a weapon on The King’s Academy “Aubee’s voice is just so sweet and silky are among the schools that have drawn stage. and beautiful,” he said. “She opens up her her interest, but for now she’s focused on Having grown up in the rural mouth and that’s exactly what I think the exceling in theatre as well as the rest of her environment of the Brighton Reservation, composers had intended when they wrote academics and appreciating the opportunity Billie is accustomed to handling weapons, that role.” afforded to her by her first-ever lead. whether its guns or bows or arrows. In fact, Snyder provided sort of a carpe diem pep “I wasn’t nervous; I say I was scared. she won a bronze medal in archery two talk to Billie before the first performance. Everything went well. It’s a different feeling years ago at the North American Indigenous “Right before we opened [April 4], I when everyone has their eyes on you,” she Games in Canada. told her your life is about to change and you said about opening night. “I’m a very social “She’s an expert at bow and arrow. She’s don’t really realize this yet,” said Snyder, person so it’s not that hard for me to do.” been around bows and guns all her life,” her who predicts that when a tape of the play Billie, whose love interest Christopher father James said. “She got the bronze. Next becomes available more than a few heads Scott is played by Clayton Hider, praised the time she’ll get gold.” will turn. performances of all of her castmates. So Aubee Billie can handle guns, and “Usually we have students that get

Amber Loveland/The King’s Academy Amber Loveland/The King’s Academy Lead actress Aubee Billie sings during a performance of ‘Miss Saigon’ at The King’s Academy in West Palm Beach. In her role as Kim, Aubee Billie performs a duet with her love interest Chris, played by Clayton Hider.

Amber Loveland/The King’s Academy Kevin Johnson ‘Miss Saigon’ star Aubee Billie is congratulated by Joni Josh and Spencer Battiest after her performance April 11. Aubee Billie in The King’s Academy performance of ‘Miss Saigon.’ 1C • The Seminole Tribune • April 30, 2019 Sports C Sisters star for Immokalee High softball Jillian Rodriguez signs with Tennessee State; Ava Nunez earns Player of the Year honor

BY KEVIN JOHNSON Senior Editor

IMMOKALEE — Immokalee High School softball coach Ruben Lucio wishes he could have the sensational sister duo of Jillian Rodriguez and Ava Nunez for four years, but he’ll settle for one. Jillian, a senior, and Ava, a freshman, have made the most of their only season as high school teammates this spring on the Immokalee team. Both players, who also play for Seminole teams at Native tournaments, have attained lofty recognition this season in one way or another. For Jillian, it was her signing with Tennessee State University, a Division I program in downtown Nashville. For Ava, it was being named the Florida Athletic Coaches Association’s Player of the Year in Class 6A-District 12. She’s also a nominee for the Naples Daily News Player of the Year. Lucio said both girls deserve everything Kevin Johnson they’ve earned. Immokalee High senior Jillian Rodriguez is accompanied on her senior night April 24 by, from left, “They’re students of the game. They stepmom Sandra Rodriguez, father Ray Rodriguez, mother Rhonda Nunez and stepfather Armando do their jobs. They show up and they know Nunez. there’s a job to do. They’ve both got great work ethic and it shows,” Lucio said. The spotlight shined on both sisters freshman pitcher was the focus of attention. field,” Lucio said. during and after Immokalee’s 1-0 loss to Ava battled toe-to-toe against pitcher Lauren She’ll be headed to college as an Kevin Johnson (2) Estero on April 24. Immokalee’s three Hobbs and Estero’s powerful lineup. The outfielder, but she’s been a standout pitcher Above, Ava Nunez gives her older sister Jillian Rodriguez a big hug during the senior night ceremony seniors, including Jillian, were honored Wildcats entered the game with a 22-2 for Immokalee throughout her career. In a for the Immokalee High School softball team April 24. Nunez is a freshman; Rodriguez is a senior. after the game, but during the game the record, but mustered just two hits off Ava in game against 11-time state champion Naples, Below, Rodriguez eyes a pitch during an at-bat against Estero. seven innings. Jillian pitched four hitless and scoreless “You’re talking about a freshman innings before the game was suspended due going up against a nationally-ranked team to an umpire’s illness. in Estero. The sky is the limit for her,” It was in the infield that Rodriguez and Lucio said. “She has all the tools and all the her two fellow seniors – Sommer Erebia ability and her work ethic is off the charts. and Mia Gallegoes – were honored in a She wants it more than any player I’ve ever postgame ceremony on senior night. Jillian seen.” walked between a ‘bridge’ of teammates At the plate, Ava reached base in the who raised their bats as if she was about to fourth on an error. In the sixth, she drilled be knighted. Jillian was accompanied by her the team’s hardest hit ball all night, but it mom Rhonda Nunez and stepdad Armando landed in foul territory close to the left field Nunez on her left side, and her dad Ray line. The foul ball was one of the few times Rodriguez and stepmom Sandra Rodriguez Immokalee players were able to pull a pitch on her right side. against the hard-throwing Hobbs. Afterwards, the seniors posed for Lucio said Ava leads the team in batting photos with teammates and family. Ava and with an average of about .400 and is second Jillian were in a group photo with the Estero in RBIs with 27. players who they played with as youngsters Ava, a right-hander who has an arsenal for the travel ball team Tropic Wave. Jillian’s of four or five different pitches, said one first coaches in youth softball – Lori Greco of her goals is to play Division I college and Andrea Peterson – were also on hand to softball. Florida State University is her watch the game. The sisters now play for the favorite team. Gold Coast Hurricanes based in Miami. Ava and Jillian shared pitching duties Jillian signed with Tennessee State on earlier in the season, but now Ava is the main April 17. She said it was during a softball said her stepdad Armando, who is also an one high season playing with Ava. pitcher and Jillian handles centerfield duties. showcase event last summer in Tennessee assistant coach for Immokalee. “She’s a lifesaver. I love her so much. Jillian showed her resiliency at the that she gave a verbal commitment to the “I’m very proud of her,” Ava said. She’s awesome,” Jillian said. “I enjoyed Kevin Johnson plate in the sixth inning when she fouled off school, which is about a 12-hour drive from “We’ve played ever since we were really playing my last season here with her. Those four 2-2 pitches before fanning, one of 13 Immokalee. young because my dad played and so did my are a lot of memories I’ll hold close to heart Immokalee High freshman pitcher Ava Nunez, strikeouts notched by Hobbs. “We’re proud of it, but kind of scared who was named a district Player of the Year by mom. This season was a lot of fun. I’m glad with my little sister.” the Florida Athletic Coaches Association, winds “She’s an athletic player, left-handed of it because it’s so far. I guess it’s scary for I got to play with her this year.” up in a game against Estero on April 24. hitter that can do just about anything on the every parent to see their kid leave home,” Likewise, Jillian said she’ll cherish this Successful season for PECS softball BY KEVIN JOHNSON of the season in late April, the Lady Sem- took care of business on the field with a win had strong seasons. Before looking ahead, there was still Senior Editor inoles had generated an impressive season. April 11 against Osceola Middle School on “I’m very pleased with them,” Hines plenty to like about this season. At the start of the year, coach Melissa eighth-grade parent day in Brighton. Be- said. “It’s sad to see them go.” “We only lost one game,” Hines said Even before the season wrapped up and Hines wasn’t sure what the results would fore the game, the team’s graduating play- Despite the departures, the future looks before the final doubleheader of the season. even before the team said ‘goodbye’ to its look like. ers – outfielders Javelle Anderson and Jan- bright for next season with a solid returning “We have an awesome team this year.” four eighth-graders, the Pemayetv Emahakv “I was nervous. I knew we had a solid aya French, pitcher/second baseman Giselle core. The team’s main pitcher Lexi Thomas Charter School softball team had already team, a young team, but I’ve been pleased Micco and first baseman Carolina Urbina along with Preslynn Baker will be back to exceeded the expectations of its coach. with the outcome,” she said. – were honored with their families in a pre- lead the pitching staff while home run leader With a 6-1 record entering its final day As was often the case this season, PECS game ceremony. Hines said all four players Carlee Osceola will be another key returner. F See PECS on page 6C

Beverly Bidney The Pemayetv Emahakv Charter School softball team, including its four eighth-graders and their families, gather for a photo before the team’s final home game April 11. 2C • The Seminole Tribune • April 30, 2019 Tribesmen shine again at NAYO Seminole team from Brighton finishes runner-up in 14U boys

BY KEVIN JOHNSON The Tribesmen emerged from the losers Senior Editor bracket to face undefeated Kiwashowa. Needing two victories to win the title, the Tribesmen nearly forced a winner-take-all HOLLYWOOD — In recent NAYO game, but fell 46-42. Kiwashowa was led by basketball tournaments, the Tribesmen 14U Johnny Vaughn II with 17 points and Jariel boys team has shown it belongs among the Cotton with 12 points. The Tribesmen’s elite teams in its age division. balanced scoring came from Walters (12 This year was no different as the points), Alex (10 points), Frye (9 points) and Tribesmen, filled with speed on the outside Ramone Baker (4 points). and toughness on the inside, went the NAYO marked a busy two days for furthest of any Seminole team at the annual coach Baker, who coached three teams. NAYO tournament, whose rotation brought The 14U NWA girls team, which didn’t it to the Hollywood Reservation and other have much experience on the roster, went local venues April 19-20. 1-2. The tournament features some of the top “It was a struggle for them,” Baker said. Native American players among five tribes: “They had a hard time adapting and coming Seminole (Florida), Choctaw (Mississippi), together, trying to find that chemistry. It was Cherokee (North Carolina), Seneca (New tough for them. I told them not to give up York) and Poarch Creek (Alabama). and never stop fighting and keep moving After all of the other Seminole teams forward. It’s going to be like that somedays.” had been eliminated, the Tribesmen fought their way through the losers bracket to reach * * * the championship, where they finished Preston Baker wasn’t the only one who runner-up to the Choctaw’s Kiwashowa. coached multiple teams at NAYO; Hunter “All of them contributed to the wins Kevin Johnson Osceola coached two. He had the Native we got and every last one fought to the end. Tribesmen guard and leading scorer Roger ‘Fresh’ Soldiers’ 14U boys and 17U boys. None of them gave up,” said Tribesmen Walters gets ready to shoot a short jump shot in a “I love coaching kids and trying to coach Preston Baker. 14U boys game at NAYO. make them better and trying to make their The Tribesmen love to run. They get the IQ higher to make the game easier for ball and go. They love the transition game guards such as Dakoya Nunez, Nakai Alex themselves,” Osceola said. and often dictate the pace of their games. and Dathen Garcia forced turnovers. The 14U squad went winless, but “We like to push the ball. Slow pace is Offensively, the team was led by Roger Osceola said it was still a good experience not us,” Baker said. “Fresh” Walters, a smooth-shooting guard for coach and players. But before a fast break can develop, who was a scoring machine throughout the “It’s fun coaching little guys, but it’s defense needs to do its job, and the two days. He scored nearly half of his team’s hard because they’re still learning and Tribesmen excelled in that department. points when he dropped 25 in a 52-44 win they’re still developing,” Osceola said. Channon Frye, Jaytron Baker, CJ Jumper against Skinz. Consistent secondary scoring The 17U team won two games, but was and Ramone Baker won a lot of battles on came from Frye and Alex. eliminated in the losers bracket by OTF Kevin Johnson the boards. Meanwhile, pressure from quick Elite. Tribesmen forward Corey Jumper blocks a shot in a NAYO 14U boys game April 20 at the Howard Tiger “[OTF] had good chemistry. It’s tough Recreation Center in Hollywood. to beat a team like that when they’ve been playing for a while,” Osceola said. Daewon Huggins was a standout for NS in the final game with 23 points.

*** After winning a state championship with Anadarko High School in Oklahoma, Lexi Foreman suited up for the Lady Seminoles in the 17U girls division. She scored a team- high 19 points in the team’s opening game, a 35-30 win against the Lady Ballers of Mississippi. The Lady Seminoles finished 1-2. *** The tournament featured 61 teams, including 11 Seminole. Months of planning and organizing by Seminole Recreation led to a well-run tournament. “Very smoothly. We enjoyed it. We’d like to come back again,” said Johnny Vaughn, coach of the 14U boys championship team from Mississippi. Games were played on the Hollywood Reservation’s Howard Tiger Recreation Kevin Johnson Center and Classic gym as well as Broward The Tribesmen gather with the runner-up trophy and shirts after finishing in second place in NAYO’s 14U College and Hollywood Hills High School. boys division. Preston Baker coaches the team. He also coached two other teams at the tournament. Considering hundreds of players are involved in the tournament and each game requires staff, referees, timekeepers, was fun.” (champion), Tribesmen - Seminole (runner- scorekeepers and Fire Rescue, it was a *** up) massive operation. Champions and runner-ups for 2019 17U girls: Team Elite - Choctaw NAYO were: (champion), Rainmakers – Choctaw (runner- Kevin Johnson “We did NAYO baseball and softball Kevin Johnson last summer. We learned from that. This was 14U girls: Rez Girls - Choctaw up) Channon Frye goes airborne for the Tribesmen Tribesmen guard Nakai Alex eyes two points much smoother,” said Recreation Director (champion), Hoopers (runner-up) 17U boys: Seneca Chiefs – Seneca while driving toward the basket. during a 14U boys game. Cathy Cypress. “Overall it was good, and it 14U boys: Kiwashowa - Choctaw (champion), IDM - Choctaw (runner-up).

Kevin Johnson Kevin Johnson Tribesmen’s Ramone Baker splits the defense on a driving layup in a 14U boys game at Howard Tiger Tribesmen guard Dakyoa Nunez gets past defenders during a game at the Howard Tiger Recreation Center. Recreation Center.

Kevin Johnson Kevin Johnson Young spectators watch a NAYO game from the the second floor at Broward College’s gym. Native Soliders’ Grant Osceola battles Native Elite during a 17U boys game. 3C • The Seminole Tribune • April 30, 2019 2019 NAYO Basketball Tournament

Kevin Johnson Kevin Johnson Tribesmen’s Pherian Baker, left, defends against Dalmon King in a 14U game. King was the only Seminole on the Adryauna Baker wins the opening tip for the Lady Warriors in a 14U girls game at Hollywood Hills High School. Skinz team that featured Cherokee and Choctaw players.

Kevin Johnson (2) Above, Boryalys Cypress provides tough defense for the Native Soldiers 17U boys team. Below, Lexi Foreman, who recently won a state championship in Oklahoma, controls the ball for the Lady Seminoles 17U girls.

Kevin Johnson (3) Above, Karey Gopher lines up a 3-point shot in a 14U girls game. At left, Lucas Osceola puts in a layup for NWA in a Kevin Johnson 17U boys game against Native Elite at Hollywood Hills High No Seminole teams won championships at NAYO, but School. Below, NWA’s Silas Madrigal eyes the basket. Deagen Osceola won a championship with the Choctaws’ Kiwashowa 14U boys team from Philadelphia, Miss. Deagen, who attends Pemayetv Emahakv Charter School in Brighton, was the only Seminole on the Kiwashowa.

Kevin Johnson Coach Jason Billie and the Lady Seminoles 17U girls team watch from the bench during a game at Hollywood Hills High.

Kevin Johnsonr Haylie Huff and Caylie Huff battle in the paint for the 14U girls Lady Warriors. 4C • The Seminole Tribune • April 30, 2019 Cheyenne Nunez ready for NCAA Division I ball Standout from Brighton to play for USC Upstate

BY KEVIN JOHNSON Senior Editor

It didn’t take long for Cheyenne Nunez to determine where her next stop will be in her college softball career. One trip to Spartanburg, South Carolina is all it took for Nunez to know that the University of South Carolina Upstate is an ideal fit. “I fell in love with it. It’s one of the most beautiful places I’ve ever seen, and I’ve been to a lot of places,” said the former Junior Miss Florida Seminole from the Brighton Reservation. Nunez, a sophomore who has played two years of junior college softball for the State College of Florida in Bradenton, committed to USC Upstate on April 1. She’ll enter as a junior and have two years of playing eligibility. As if to celebrate the good news, three days after making the Beverly Bidney commitment she smacked her first home run State College of Florida sophomore Cheyenne Nunez, the school’s all-time leader in stolen bases, is pointed toward second base during a game in Fort Myers on April 11 against Florida SouthWestern State and drove in four runs in a 10-4 win against College, the nation’s No. 1 ranked junior college team. Nunez will be headed to South Carolina later this year to play for the University of South Carolina Upstate. South Florida State College. USC Upstate, a NCAA Division I program, has been led by coach Chris was made early in the season when USC “I don’t look for home runs or triples. I Hawkins for the past 25 years. The Spartans Upstate’s coach saw her play at a tournament just try to find a way on, with a walk, hit, get play in the Big South Conference. Their non- early in Clearwater. She said SCF’s hit by a pitch,” she said. conference schedule this season included announcer Chuck Landers, whose daughter Nunez described her two years at SCF ACC and Big Ten schools as well as SEC played at USC Upstate, put in a good word as “literally life-changing.” powerhouse LSU, which as the ninth-ranked for her, too, which helped. “All my coaches are amazing. I love team in the nation narrowly defeated USC A strong regular season for Nunez and all of them,” she said, adding that she made Upstate, 2-0, in Baton Rouge. SCF ended April 25. The team was ranked great friendships with teammates. “I’ll never Nunez’s visit included spending time nationally among junior colleges in April. forget them.” with current players, who showed her around Entering the postseason in early May, SCF With Nunez headed to USC Upstate, campus and the town. had a 44-14 record. Nunez shattered the team next year is shaping up to be a potential “It felt like home,” said Nunez, daughter record for most stolen bases in a season; she memorable one as the Seminole Tribe could of Peggy and Daniel Nunez Sr. “The had 38 as of the end of the regular season. have three players on Division I softball facilities and the academic center are nice. She also led the squad in hits (67) and runs teams. Ahnie Jumper is currently in her It felt like such a good fit for me. Everything (54) and was tied with two teammates for the sophomore season at Florida Gulf Coast was awesome. I always dreamt about going best batting average (.364). University. Jillian Rodriguez recently signed Division I and now it’s finally happening.” “She’s been quite consistent, always with Tennessee State University. “I think it’s a great fit for her. The looking to improve, which I really like about coaching staff will be really good for her,” her. She’s really a hard worker,” Schuerman Beverly Bidney said SCF coach Mandy Schuerman. said. Cheyenne Nunez helps fire up her team in a game Nunez, a speedy and versatile Power isn’t a big part of Nunez’s game; April 11 in Fort Myers. centerfielder who bats in the leadoff spot, her strengths are found in her ability to reach said an initial connection with USC Upstate base and then steal bases. Moore Haven shot putters Andrew Fish, Conner Thomas place in top 3 at district meet

BY KEVIN JOHNSON throw. a spot in regionals. Fish barely missed out Senior Editor Entering the district meet, Fish had on winning the district title, which went to earned consideration as one of the elite Seacrest Country Day’s Srdjan Kopunovic at throwers in the district. Last year he was 13.34 meters. NAPLES — There’s no doubt Andrew district runner-up as a junior and reached the Thomas, meanwhile, didn’t have as Fish and Conner Thomas’s athletic careers state meet. much drama in shot put thanks to a series of at Moore Haven High School will be most “He’s had a pretty good season so far strong and consistent throws. His steady day remembered for their accomplishments on and has shown much improvement meet of throwing included a personal best of 12.86 the football field. after meet,” said Moore Haven track and meters, which was good enough for third After all, the duo from the Brighton field coach Cynthia Cook. place. It was in discus that Thomas surprised Reservation helped the Terriers football But his first two throws at the district just about everyone, including himself. team compile an 18-3 record the past two meet were scratches (throws that landed He competed in the event almost as an seasons as standouts on the offensive line. outside the field lines). So his third throw afterthought and ended up finishing runner- But they’ve also excelled beyond the – and what could have been his final throw up out of 28 competitors. His furthest toss gridiron. Both Fish and Thomas shined in of his high school career – carried plenty was 38.06 feet and earned him a ticket to shot put for the track and field team this of drama. He not only needed to make sure regionals. spring. Thomas also found success in the the shot put landed in-bounds, but he also “Conner definitely surprised me with his discus throw. needed the throw to be among the top eight second place overall finish in discus,” Cook The seniors made sure the Class of the 28 competitors in order to advance to said. “We had actually discussed him not 1A-District 8 meet April 10 at St. John the next flight that day. doing that event at districts in fear of hurting Neumann High School in Naples wouldn’t Fish didn’t panic. His third throw was his arm and risking his chances in the shot be their last one. good enough to advance into the next flight. put. But as he always does, he not only did Through somewhat precarious routes, His final throw of the day – at 13.23 meters well, he got second overall and advanced to they qualified for the regional tournament in – turned out to be his best and it earned him regionals. As for shot put, he was on fire. He shot put and Thomas also qualified in discus runner-up in the district championship and made two new [personal records] and ended up placing third overall and earning a seat to regionals.” The Class 1A-Region 2 meet was held April 27 at Cypress Creek High School in Wesley Chapel just outside of Tampa. Fish finished fifth overall, which gave him an at large spot to the state meet May 3-4 at the University of North Florida in Jacksonville. His best throw at regionals was 13.32, close to his personal best of 13.65. He finished ahead of Kopunovic, the district winner, who finished seventh. Thomas didn’t advance to states in either shot put or discus. He finished 14th in shot put with his top throw being 11.70. As for discus, Thomas’s tosses got better and better, but not good enough. He started with a scratch followed by tosses of 27.32 and 29.81 feet. Had Thomas reached states, he would have been competing in the same city where he’ll go to college. He’ll be headed to Tulsa Welding School. Fish, meanwhile, will continue his athletic career in Miami this fall when he joins the St. Thomas University football team. On the girls side at Moore Haven, Tafv Harris wrapped up a solid freshman season in shot put. She had a personal best of over nine meters. Her best throw at districts was 8.17, which placed her right in the middle of the pack, 12th out of 24 competitors. It wasn’t enough to advance to regionals, but she has three more years to look forward to. Kevin Johnson Kevin Johnson “…I think it was a good lesson as to Moore Haven High School senior Andrew Fish gets ready to launch the shot put at the Class 1A-District Moore Haven High School senior Conner Thomas delivers a shot put throw April 10 at the Class what to prepare for and I expect good things 8 meet in Naples. 1A-District 8 meet at St. John Neumann High School in Naples. from her in the future,” Cook said. 5C • The Seminole Tribune • April 30, 2019 Powerful start to college career for Sydnee Cypress

BY KEVIN JOHNSON Staff Reporter

MIAMI — Last fall, Sydnee Cypress was a softball player looking for a team, and ASA College Miami was a new team looking for players. The two sides connected just in time for Cypress to enroll and then help ASA christen its inaugural season. It’s turned out to be a perfect match as Cypress emerged as one of ASA’s top players, batting near the top of the order and starting at shortstop. “She’s been one of our best hitters,” said ASA coach Gina Capitini. “We had her at No. 1 [in the batting order], but we dropped her down to No. 2 and she just opened up hitting-wise. She felt more comfortable there. She’s got a lot of speed. She can drop down a bunt. She’s kind of like a three- tool player; she can slap, she can hit. She’s definitely been an impact player this season starting at shortstop. She’s making some good plays and she’s definitely one of our most improved players.” Kevin Johnson (2) Not surprisingly, wins were elusive for a Above left, ASA College Miami freshman Sydnee Cypess, of the Big Cypress Reservation, belts her third home run of the season April 3 against Miami-Dade College. Above right, after the blast, Cypress is program in its infancy. ASA, whose Miami greeted at home plate by her teammates. campus is in Hialeah, finished with a 3-19 record. Cypress, a former Moore Haven High loss against Miami-Dade, a well-established Cypress finished her freshman season never knew before. It’s nice to have that School standout from the Big Cypress and respected program in the junior college on a high note when she went 4-for-4 with because I like diversity on my team. I like all Reservation, carved out a memorable ranks. ASA played a crisp game – its coach a double and triple and scored three runs different cultures to come together as one.” freshman season along the way. said it was one of its better games of the in an 8-7 loss against Eastern Florida State Before she joined ASA, Cypress She cemented her name in ASA history season – which bodes wells for next season College on the final day of the season. hadn’t played softball since she graduated by hitting the program’s first home run. The when the team will join the same conference Cypress said she plans to play for ASA from Moore Haven in 2017 after helping solo shot came March 15 in a 5-2 win against as Miami-Dade, Broward College and next season and then hopefully land a spot the Terriers win district and regional Parkland College, of Illinois, in a game others. with a four-year college program, a path championships. Her desire to return to the played in Titusville. Cypress admitted she was a bit rusty often followed by junior college athletes. sport never waned. Cypress finished the season with the at the start of the season, but through “This isn’t their final stop. They come “Two of my friends from Immokalee team’s second best batting average (.394) determination she eventually rediscovered in here for two years and we get them on to play on the team,” Cypress said. “Coach thanks to 26 hits in 66 at-bats. She tied her groove at the plate. another school,” Capitini said. was looking for players and they asked me for the team lead in doubles with five. She “When I first came back, I wasn’t hitting Cypress plans to study psychology if I wanted to come play and I said yes. It belted a team-high three home runs, the last that well because I had taken two years off, and would like to work for the Tribe after was two days before the deadline and I got of which was an opposite field blast over the but I’ve worked a lot to get to where I am finishing college. Her addition to the team enrolled in two days. right field fence on a windy afternoon April now,” she said. has brought benefits beyond the field. “I’m so glad I’m playing again,” she 3 at Miami-Dade College in Kendall. Kevin Johnson “I love the fact she is Native American said. “Luckily I just got hold of one and Sydnee Cypess, ASA College Miami’s starting and she brings that culture to the team,” So is ASA. hit it out,” Cypress said after her home run shortstop, settles under a popup during a game Capitini said. “She always gives us “A late addition,” Capitini said, “but accounted for the team’s only run in a 2-1 against Miami-Dade College. information about it, which a lot of the girls definitely a great addition for sure.” Miami Open sets attendance records in new home at Hard Rock Stadium

FROM PRESS RELEASE

MIAMI GARDENS — The 35th edition of the Miami Open presented by Itaú featured a blend of tennis, art, culture, cuisine, and entertainment in its new Hard Rock Stadium home. Record crowds filled the new tennis facility and stadium court as Roger Federer and Ashleigh Barty captured the men’s and women’s singles titles, respectively. The tournament set numerous attendance records: 15 of its 24 sessions had higher attendance than the previous records, including an all-time singles- session attendance mark of 32,831 during the Saturday, March 23 day session. Overall, the tournament’s two-week attendance was 388,734, breaking the old record of 326,131 set in 2012. It also marked the 10th consecutive year the tournament recorded more than 300,000 in total attendance. The tournament partnered with local restaurants to present an array of dining and lounging experiences. The Miami Open also collaborated with Art Miami and Goldman Global Arts to curate art murals and gallery work by internationally renowned artists and showcased a range of musicians and DJs. The luxury seating at Hard Rock Stadium elevated the premium seating experience to a new caliber unlike any seen before in tennis. The premium seating options featured multi-screen experiences with large-screen televisions and tablets, spacious seating with ample legroom complete with an all-inclusive club showcasing world-class fare.

Miami Open 2019 Miami Open men’s singles winner Roger Federer clutches the championship trophy in the tennis plaza outside Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens.

NIGA honors pro golfer Notah Begay III with lifetime achievement honor

FROM PRESS RELEASE and raised in Albuquerque, New Mexico and attended Stanford University where he SAN DIEGO, Calif. — The National earned a degree in rconomics in addition to Indian Gaming Association honored PGA earning All-American honors three times Tour winner and golf commentator Notah and leading the golf team to a national Begay III with the Chairman’s Lifetime championship in 1994. Achievement Award in March at the 2019 In addition to winning four PGA Tour Indian Gaming Tradeshow and Convention events, Begay became only the third player in San Diego, California. in the history of professional golf to shoot “It is an amazing opportunity to have 59 in a professional event. He partnered with someone like Notah Begay to be here with his good friend Tiger Woods in the 2000 us,” National Indian Gaming Association President’s Cup. Chairman Ernie Stevens, Jr., said. “He is When Begay is not on the golf course, not only one of the greatest golfers I’ve ever he dedicates his time to positively impacting known, but he is one of the greatest persons the Native American community. In 2005, I’ve ever known in my life. He works day Notah launched The Notah Begay III (NB3) in and day out, and is always ready to serve. Foundation. The Foundation works to battle He’s changing lives, supporting our young obesity and diabetes in Native American athletes and helping people and families.” youth. In addition, Begay owns a golf course Upon receiving his recognition, Begay development firm and works exclusively said, “Through the lens of sport, leadership with Native communities to develop golf and service has been the cornerstone of my properties. approach, which was handed down to me Begay was named one of Golf from my father, and his father. They handed Magazine’s Innovators of the Year in 2009 down the community ownership, and the for his philanthropic work through the NB3 ability to continue to serve. That’s really Foundation and has also been named one of what it’s all about for me.” He added, “It has NIGA the Top 100 Sports Educators in the world by never been about achievement or winning or Notah Begay III, center, receives a lifetime achievement award from the National Indian Gaming Association in San Diego, California. the Institute for International Sport. the money, it is about doing my very best, continuing to ask more of myself daily and the serve in whatever capacity I can. Giving of your time is the most valuable asset you Notah Begay III, from the Navajo the only full-blooded Native American to can give.” Nation and San Felipe/Isleta Pueblos, is have played on the PGA Tour. He was born 6C • The Seminole Tribune • April 30, 2019 F PECS SOFTBALL From page 1C

Happy Birthday, Aaliyah

My dear princess Aaliyah Denise, mommy wants to say how blessed I truly am on this day 4/23. I share my birthday with you, princess, mommy loves you so much and is so proud of you, how hard you try at school and you don’t give up. You’re my lil “boo-boo, Baby.” Mommy will always be here to the end, princess, and I hope you enjoy your special day and may all your little wishes come true. We love you, Mommy, Teddy, Mariyah, Aaliyah, Jazzlynn, Baby J., Grandmothers: Belen, Guadalupe, Barbara, Nancy, Claudia. Grandfathers: Alfredo, Felix, Beverly Bidney Encarnacion, Joe, Uncles: Joe, The Pemayetv Emahakv Charter School softball team lines up before facing Osceola Middle School on April 16 in Brighton. Alfredo Jr. Daniel, Aunts: Lillie, Alicia Nina, Brenda, Lory, Samantha Lez and all your Cuzins. Family: Martinez/Alvarado/Garza/ Faz. Attention Native youth: summer program wants you BY DAMON SCOTT or nearby, and classes are held recognize all attendees. There are daily between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. also special awards given out to a Staff Reporter During the program, students are few select students for outstanding required to be with a counselor achievements during the program. Youngsters looking for a and the group is accompanied by at The “intensive away from unique summer experience this least one officer of the FSU police home educational experience” year might find it in the state’s department during off campus usually attracts about 50 to capitol. activities. 60 participants each year. It is The dates have been set for the Those in the youth program organized by the nonprofit Florida 2019 Florida Indian Youth Program can expect to learn more about Governor’s Council on Indian and Leadership Academy. STEM (science, technology, Affairs. The two week program will engineering and mathematics), “The students participate run from July 13 through July computer literacy and SAT/ACT in scholastic, cultural and social 27 at Florida State University in preparation. During the evening events and activities, all designed Tallahassee. The deadline to submit and on the weekends, organizers to increase the probability of high application materials is May 30. host parties, trips to the mall and school graduation and inspire The youth program and activities like bowling. the students to higher academic leadership academy is free and Leadership academy students achievement,” said FGCIA open to Native American, Native are expected to gain leadership organizers. Alaskan and Native Hawaiian youth skills as well as independence Students will rack up more than tribal members and descendants during their time in the program. 70 hours of classroom activities. Beverly Bidney from Florida and Georgia. The students will have access to The program was originally Giselle Micco pitches during her final home game for Pemayetv Emahakv Charter School April 16 against Osceola Middle School. The youth portion, offered college site tours, be able to explore developed by the state of Florida to as a college preparatory program, academic programs of study and give Native American students the is designed for those who are also take part in fun activities on opportunity to spend two weeks in freshmen or sophomores in high evenings and weekends. the state’s capitol and be exposed school. The leadership academy Students will practice writing to higher education and state is reserved for ambitious juniors, and learn more about tribal government. seniors or recent graduates (not government issues, financial For more information and older than 19). literacy and art. to apply, go to fgcia.org/youth- Organizers said participants An awards banquet takes program. live in a residence hall on campus place the end of the experience to

FOR SALE

LAST SIX OF MILEAGE/ STARTING BID VIN# YEAR MAKE MODEL HRS CONDITION PRICE

216475 2007 FORD SEDAN FUSION SE AWD 214,084 Fair $557.00

B25138 2005 FORD CARGO VAN E250 EXT VAN (RWD) 142,975 Poor $891.00

A16476 2005 FORD CARGO VAN E250 EXT VAN (RWD) 132,775 Poor $1,026.00

501675 2007 DODGE SUV DURANGO SLT (4WD) 169,365 Poor $1,050.00

A93027 2006 FORD SUV EXPLORER XLT (4WD) 110,292 Poor $1,446.00

B25449 2006 FORD VAN E250 CARGO VAN (RWD) 171,723 Fair $1,846.00

280640 2008 DODGE SEDAN AVENGER SXT (FWD) 116,213 Fair $1,875.00

B86641 2008 FORD SUV ESCAPE XLT (FWD) 150,432 Fair $1,900.00

A42828 2006 FORD PASSENGER VAN E350 XL CLUB WAGON (RWD) 101,178 Fair $3,150.00

A42829 2006 FORD PASSENGER VAN E350 XL CLUB WAGON (RWD) 100,249 Fair $3,264.00

A01727 2010 FORD SUV EXPLORER XLT (4WD) 142,459 Fair $4,011.00

A82213 2007 FORD PICKUP TRUCK F150 XLT (4WD) 151,992 Fair $4,450.00

A33767 2010 FORD SUV EXPLORER XLT (RWD) 96,949 Fair $5,575.00 Beverly Bidney D91458 2006 FORD PICKUP TRUCK F250 XL SUPER DUTY (4X4) 101,850 Poor $7,372.00 Pemayetv Emahakv Charter School infielder Lexi Thomas keeps her eye on the ball as an Osceola Middle School player slides into second base.

Note - Previously advertised items are not reflected on this advertisement, only new listings. For more information contact Fixed Assets Dept. 954-966-6300 ext. Rumble at the Rock returns to Hollywood May 10 20034.

FROM PRESS RELEASE will feature at least seven undefeated Navarro (10-0, 7 KOs). NEW!! - Tribal Members only- access this information at the website: http://semtribe.com/FixedAssets. (Registration required) local favorites in separate bouts. Back in action will be undefeated HOLLYWOOD — The fifth The 10-round main event will 20-year-old boxing prodigy Logan installment of the Rumble at the feature undefeated featherweight “The Korican Kid” Yoon (15-0, 12 Rock series will be held May 10, at contender Hairon “El Maja” KOs). 7 p.m. at Hard Rock Event Center Socarras (21-0-3, 13 KOs) of Miami Tickets for “Rumble at the at Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & via Marianao, Cuba. Also scheduled Rock V” cost $250, $150, $100 Casino in Hollywood. The event, for action is undefeated welterweight and $60 and are available through Theodore Nelson Sr. titled “Night of the Undefeated,” Livan “The Machine Gun Kid” ticketmaster.com. Licensed Clinical Social Worker, SW5813, Indian Child Welfare Consultant-Expert, Board Member National Indian Child Welfare Upcoming events Association, Licensed and Insured, Seminole Health Plan Provider Mother’s Day Dolphin the Spanish moss drips from the live Tournament Tupelo Honey Festival oak trees to celebrate Florida’s rich Are you unhappy with your current counseling/child welfare services? Fish for a cause in this one- Get a glimpse of Real Florida cultural history and traditions. day Dolphin shootout that benefits with a day trip to Wewahitchka Where: Stephen Foster State Now there are alternative services for you and your family. Philosophically, Habitat for Humanity of the Middle with its one stoplight, Spanish moss Park in White Springs. Keys. It features fab fishing, prize dripping from Live Oaks, eerie When: May 24-26 we all have difficulty balancing social life, culture, health, substance use/ money and trophies for the winners, Dead Lakes and three generations Info: www.floridastateparks. and an awards banquet complete of beekeepers harvesting the world org/FloridaFolkFestival abuse, self-esteem, sense of belonging, emotions, our hopes and dreams. with door prizes and an auction. famous Tupelo Honey. Purchase Where: Marathon, Florida Keys locally-made products featuring Blue Crab Festival When: May 10-11 the honey, attend the Miss Tupelo Ring in the Memorial weekend Info: www.habitatmiddlekeys. pageant, participate in a 5K run and holiday with 200,000 new friends at I offer 20 years of professional experience as a qualified therapist working org/dolphin-tournament.php enjoy live music. this annual seafood festival that pairs ArtNaples World Festival Where: Lake Alice Park, small town charm with big-time fair- with children, teens and adults in a confidential, private setting in your Each year a different country Wewahitchka inspired food and fun. Think carnival is honored gets the royal treatment When: May18, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. rides, arts and crafts vendors, live home or my office. I am available for individual counseling, dependency/ with concerts, piano recitals, jazz, Web: tupelohoneyfestival.com music, a kids’ zone, Memorial Day chamber music, opera, cinema and, parade and fireworks. custody cases and tribal court; services are available for all reservations. of course, great food and wine Florida Folk Festival Where: downtown Palatka Where: Naples For more than 60 years, When: May 18-19 When: April 24-May 8 Florida’s folk artists, craftsmen and Info: www.bluecrabfestival.org/ Info://www.stayinmay. musicians have gathered along the Office: (754) 215-3113 6528 Osceola Circle, Hollywood, Florida 33024 com/2019-festival-events banks of the Suwannee River where